OBUtKVtn
AUGUST 1988
BIGGEST AND BEST-SELLING BBC/ACORN MAGAZINE
ADVENTURES
Adecade of frustration Plus Warlord on disc
DATA DISPLAY:
Graphs and charts
from spreadsheets
SCIENCE WRITERS:
Wordprocessorsfor
technical texts
DESIGNER PCB:
On the right track
with Pineapple
CLEVER COLOUR:
Four ribbons
dump in style
PRINTER SURVEY:
Move up to 24-pin
for better results
ONLY £1.30
Still the best value
PRESENT DAY REPTON
PREHISTORIC REPTON
FUTURE REPTON
VICTORIAN REPTON
f 1
EGYPTIAN REPTON
REPTON - THE TIME TRAVELLER
Where did Repton come from? Does he have an Egyptian mummy? Is he the real Jack the Repper? Where is he now? Where is he going to?!
We have been inundated with these and many other questions about our lovable hero. Now all is revealed in 40 new screens that vividly reveal
Repton’s evolution from prehistory to the future.
The PREHISTORIC screens with their caves, mountains and volcanoes, have Repton battling against pterodactyls and dinosaurs to collect edible
berries. In EGYPTIAN times, Repton chases around pyramids and sphinxes collecting scrolls and meeting a mummy or two! Amidst the smog and
grime of VICTORIAN times, Repton collects gold coins - but can he avoid the police and the gallows? PRESENT DAY Repton has even greater
dangers to face as he rushes around the city’s jungle of parking meters and skyscrapers, looking for cans of cola. If the gangster’s machine gun
doesn’t get him, the traffic wardens will. Amazingly Repton may make it to the FUTURE. As he zooms through space collecting crystals, the Martians
give chase. Will he succeed or disappear forever into the infinite depths of a black hole? Only you can help Repton Thru Time!
( Each copy of Repton Thru Time Includes:
1 • the Repton 3 main program •the Repton 3 editor and •the 40 new game screens
BBC Micro Cassette £6.95 Acorn Electron Cassette £6.95
BBC Micro 5V4" Disc £7.95 BBC Master Compact 3 V 2 " Disc..£9.95
(Compatible with the BBC B, B+ and Master Series computers).
The screen pictures show the BBC Micro version of the game
PRIZE COMPETITION
If you complete all 40 screens of Repton Thru Time without
using passwords, you can enter our competition. A draw
will be made from all the correct entries received to select
25 prize winners Each will receive an EGYPTIAN REPTON
Cuddly Toy and a signed certificate.
Closing date: 30th September, 1988.
REPTON ORIGINAL
Cuddly Toy
supcmon
somunnc
Limited
ACORNSeFT
Please make
all cheques
payable lo
"Superior
Software Ud"
SPECIALOFFER-NEW!
A unique range of Repton Cuddly Toys is now available. Each Cuddly Toy is I
about 24 inches high and has a realistic face and features corresponding F
to the particular Repton character. They are only available from Superior
Software REPTON ORIGINAL £9.95
ARCTIC REPTON £9.95
TEENAGE REPTON £9.95
Postage and packing free.
24 HOUR TELEPHONE
ANSWERING SERVICE FOR ORDERS
OUR GUARANTEE
• All mail orders are despatched
within 24 hours by first-class post.
• Postage and packing is free.
• Faulty cassettes and discs will
be replaced immediately.
{This does not affect your statutory fights)
Dept. RT4, Regent House, Skinner Lane Leeds LS7 1AX. Telephone: 0532 459453.
ADVENT XT10
• 30 Megabyte Hard Disk
• 3B0K 5 V 4 " Floppy Disk
• 640K Memory
• 10 MHz CPU
• Parallel Port
• Serial Port
• 8 Expansion Slots
• Hercules High Resolution
Display Card
• High Resolution Mono
Monitor
• MS DOS 3.21 + GW Basic
• Real Time Battery Backed
Clock/Calendar
FREE 1 year on site
maintainence
£795
WITH EGA COLOUR MONITOR + CARD
£995
WITH EGA COLOUR MONITOR 4 CARD
£1449
»yOUAGC
Landon&Earaest Computer Shop
ADVENT AT12+
• 40 MB Hard Disk
• 1.2 MB 5V4" Floppy Disk
• 1 MB Memory
• 12 MHz CPU
• 2 x Parallel Ports
• 2 x Serial Ports
• 102 Key Enhanced AT Keyb/d
• 8 Expansion Slots
• Hercules High Resolution
Display Card
• High Res. Mono Monitor
• MS DOS 3.3 + GW Basic
• Real Time Battery Backed
Clock/Calendar
FREE 1 year on site
maintainence
£1249
ADVENT XT 15 TURBO
Incredible 1 5MHz processor speed + 1 MB of RAM.
Other specifications as per Advent XT 10.
With 14" Amber FST Mono Monitor
With 14" EGA Colour Monitor
£1195
PRINTER RIBBONS
ACORN
2 +
6 +
12 +
AP80
£2.40
£2.20
£1.90
API 00
£2 40
£2.20
£1.90
AMSTRAD
8256/851 2/LQ3500 MS
£4.00
£3.80
£3.60
8256/851 2/LQ3500 FA
£3.30
£3.10
£3.25
8256/851 2/LQ3500 Blue
£4,25
£3.95
£3.75
8256/851 2/LQ3500 Red
£4.25
£3.95
£3.75
DMP 2000/3000/
3160/3250
£2.40
£2.20
£2.00
DMP 4000
£3.85
£3.70
£3.40
PCW9512 MS
£320
£3.00
£2.60
PCW9512FA
£3.70
£3.30
£2.90
ANADEX
9500
£500
£445
£4.35
BROTHER
HR5
£300
£2.80
£2.60
HR1 5/20/25/3 5/40 MS
£2.80
£265
£2.30
HR1 5/20/25/35/40 FA
£3.10
£2.70
£2.40
HR1 5/20/25/35/40 CO
£1.70
£1.60
£1.50
Ml 009/Ml 109/Ml 209
£3.10
£2.70
£2.50
Ml 409
£4.25
£4.05
£3.80
Ml 509/1 709
£4.70
£4.00
£4.25
EP44
£2.90
£2.50
£2.30
C. ITOH 8510
£3.55
£3.35
£3.10
CANON
PW1 080/1 156
£2.50
£2.40
£2.20
PW1 080/1 156 Blue
£3.40
£3.30
£3.20
PW1 080/1 156 Red
£340
£3.30
£3.20
CENTRONICS
GIP 1/2
£3.10
£2.70
£2.50
CITIZEN
1200/ISP10
£3.25
£3.10
£2.90
ISP 100
MSP10E/40/50
MSP10E/40/50 Blue
MSP1 0E/40/50 Rod
MSP15E/25/45/55
PREMIERE 35 MS
PREMIERE 35 FA
COMMODORE
MPS 801
MPS 802 MS
MPS 802 FA
MPS 803
MPS 1000
DPS 1101 MS
DPS 11 01 CO
DPS 1101 SS
1516/1521/1526/
4023 MS
1516/1521/1526/
4023 FA
DAISYSTEP
2000 MS
HYTYPE II FA
HYTYPE II MS
EPSON
LX800/FX800 FA
LX800/FX800 Blue
LX800/FX800 Red
MX/FX/RX 80 FA
MX/FX/RX 80 Blue
MX/FX/RX 80 Red
FX105/FX1000
MX/FX/RX 100
2 +
6 +
12 +
£3.25
£3.10
£2.90
£2.50
£2.10
£1.90
£3.70
£3 00
£2.80
£3.70
£3.00
£2.80
£3.30
£3.10
£2.80
£2.40
£2.25
£2.05
£2.75
£2.80
£2.60
£2.30
£2.15
£2.05
£3.50
£2.70
£2.50
£4.50
£4.30
£4.00
£3.10
£2.70
£2.50
£2.35
£2.10
£1.90
£2.40
£2.30
£2.10
£1.60
£1.30
£1.20
£2.20
£1.70
£1.55
£3.50
£2.70
£2.50
£4.50
£4.30
£4.00
£2.60
£2.40
£2.20
£2.90
£2.80
£2.60
£2.75
£2.65
£2.45
£2.35
£2.25
£2.05
£2.50
£2.10
£1.90
£3.70
£3.00
£2.80
£3.70
£3.00
£2.80
£2.50
£2.10
£1.90
£3.70
£3.00
£2.80
£3.70
£3.00
£2.80
£330
£3.10
£2.80
£3.30
£3.10
£2.80
IQ 1500
LQ500/IQ800/IQ850
IQ1000/IQ1050
IQ2500/IQ2500+
LX80/86/GX80
EX800/EX1000
SQ2500
PROPRINT XL
PROPRINT 4201
JUKI
6100 SS
6100 MS
6100 CO
6200/6300/6500 FA
6200/6300/6500 MS
2200/6000 CO
KAGA
KP 810/910
KP 810/910 Bluo
KP 810/910 Red
MICRO P.
MP1 35/480 FA
MP1 35/480 MS
MP1 65/200
MPI 65/200 Blue
MPI 6 5/200 Red
MP40/26 FA
MP40/26 MS
M/TALLY
MT80MS
MT80 FA
MT85 FA
ADVENT AT 20/26
20MHz clock speed. Neat 286. Faster than a 3B6/16 (Landmark
speed test 26.7 MHz). Other specifications as Advent AT 12+ .
With 14" Amber FST Mono Monitor £1595
With 14" EGA Colour Monitor £1895
2 +
6 +
12+
2 +
6+
12 +
2+
6+
12 +
£2.85
£2.70
£2.50
NEC
GP80
£2.40
£2.20
£1.90
£3.25
£305
£2.80
Pl/2/6
£3.90
£3.60
£3.20
GP10Q/250
£2.40
£2.20
£1.90
£380
£360
£335
P3/7
£5.10
£4.90
£4.60
GP50Q/550
£2.30
£2.15
£205
£5.95
£5.75
£555
P5/P5XL/P9XL
£4.70
£4.40
£4.10
BP5420
£7.95
£7.75
£755
£2.35
£2.10
£1.90
5500/7700 FA
£3.65
£3.50
£3.30
GP700 Block
£12.00 eoch
£4.70
£4.40
£400
5500/7700 MS
£2.65
£2.50
£2.30
GP700 Colour
£16 00 eoch
£23.50 eoch
3500 FA
£3.60
£3.40
£3.20
SHINWA
3500 MS
£2.70
£2.55
£2.35
CP80MS
£3.50
£2.70
£2.50
£8.45
£8.1 5
£7.95
P2200
£5.90
£5.70
£5.50
CP80FA
£4.50
£4.30
£4 00
£4.10
£3.85
£3.55
OKI
SMITH CORONA
80/82
£1.20
£0.90
£0.80
D100/D200
£4.60
£4.20
£3.70
£1.75
£1.60
£1.50
182/183/192/193
£2.75
£2.55
£2.40
D300
£2.50
£2.40
£2.15
£2.40
£2.30
£2.20
OKIMATE 20 Block
£6.60
£6.20
£6.00
EU000/TPI FA
£5.70
£5.25
£4.95
£1.60
£1.30
£1.20
OKIMAIE 20 Colour
£7.00
£6.50
£6.20
EL1000/TP1 CO
£5.00
£4.70
£4.50
£2.75
£2.65
£2.45
PANASONIC
EL1000/TPI MS
£12.50 £10.70
£9.95
£2.35
£2.25
£2.05
KXP 1080/1/2/3
£3.95
£3.80
£3.60
Faifexl 80
£11.70 £11.20 £10.90
£2.90
£2.50
£2.30
KXP 1592/1 595
£3.95
£3.80
£3.60
SILVER REED
£2.50
£2.10
£1.90
3131/3151 MS
£2.35
£2.25
£2.05
EXP400/ 500/550 FA
£3.95
£3.85
£3.65
£3.70
£3.00
£2.80
3131/3151 FA
£2.75
£2.65
£2.45
EXP400/ 500/550 MS
£3.00
£2.85
£2.65
QUENDATA
EX P4 00/ 500/ 5 50 CO
£2.80
£2.60
£2.40
£2.50
£2.40
£2.20
1120 MS
£2.60
£2.40
£2.20
STAR
£3.40
£330
£3.20
1120 FA
£2.90
£2.80
£2.60
510/DP510/DP5I5
£1.20
£0.90
£0.80
£3.40
£330
£3.20
QUME
GEMINI IX/SG10/SG1 5
£1.20
£0.90
£0.80
Sprint 7/9 MS
£2.60
£2.40
£2.20
LC10
£3.90
£3.70
£3.50
£4.50
£4.30
£4.00
Sprint 7/9 FA
£2.90
£2.80
£2.60
NllO/NDJO/NRIO
£4.50
£4.25
£400
£3.50
£2.70
£2.50
IV MS
£2.60
£2.40
£2.20
NB24-10
£6.50
£6.20
£6.00
£2.50
£2.10
£1.90
IV FA
£2.90
£2.80
£2.60
NB24-15/NB-15
£7.00
£6.80
£6.60
£3.70
£3.00
£2.80
RITEMAN INFORUNNER
£6.50
£6.30
£6.10
NX15/ND15/NR15
£7.00
£6.80
£6.60
£3.70
£3.00
£2.80
RICOH 1300/1 600 MS
£2.50
£2.40
£2.20
RADIX 10
£4.70
£4.30
£4.10
£2.75
£2.65
£2.45
SEIKOSHA
RADIX 15
£4.70
£4.30
£4.10
£2.35
£2.25
£2.05
SP800/SP1 000 MS
£4.00
£3.80
£3.60
PCWERTYPE MS
£2.35
£2.25
£2.05
SP800/SP1000 FA
£3.30
£3.10
£3.25
POWERTYPE FA
£2.75
£2.65
£2.45
£3.50
£2.70
£2.50
SP800/SP1 000 Blue
£4.25
£3.95
£3.75
UCHIDA
£4.50
£430
£400
SP800/SP1000 Red
£4.25
£3.95
£3.75
DWP/DWX305 FA
£2.90
£2.80
£2.60
£420
£400
£3.80
GP50
£580
£5.50
£5.30
DWP/DWX305 MS
£2.60
£2.40
£2.20
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Ac.U8/88
PIPEDREAM
POWER
AT YOUR
FINGERTIPS
And database and spreadsheet functions can
work together.
You can use PipeDream as a database program to
maintain your address book or sales ledger.
Perform selections and sorts to invoice 5l of those
customers living in London who have bought
more than 100 products from you since
February but haven't paid within 30 days.
The price of all this power? Just £99+ VAT.
New facilities include:
• user-definable colour displays
• a comprehensive range of financial functions
• full usage of foreign characters including direct
editing and printing
• loading and saving in several formats giving
compatibility with Lotus 1-2-3
• linking files enabling you to pass the results of
calculations between spreadsheets.
This in addition to all the facilities many
thousands of Z88 PipeDream users have come to
expect:
• fully Wysiwyg display
(what you see is what you get)
• many columns of formatted text on screen
With Archimedes, you have a breakthrough in
personal computing power. Enough power for
the next breakthrough in integrated software -
PipeDream.
With existing integrated packages, you have to
divide your work into artificial sections, such as
text, numbers and calculation, and database.
With PipeDream, you compose your work in the
order you want to print it, with text and numbers
all together in one document. Incorporate
calculations directly into paragraphs of text and
formatted paragraphs directly into spreadsheets.
With this new approach you get a whole new
dimension of power . . .
PipeDream is a word processor offering many
columns of formatted text. That film script you
were going to write next holiday? Ideal.
PipeDream is a spreadsheet program with a
work area of 500,000,000 columns by over
500,000,000 rows, so you'll grow out of your
computer before you grow out of PipeDream.
And being able to mix numbers and text together
means you can calculate invoices and mail-shot
them without resorting to expensive accounting
software.
In fact, PipeDream's unique integration means
that mail-shots couldn't be easier.
But don't just take our word for it. This is what
Michael Bywater of Punch had to say:
" PipeDream itself is a remarkable achievement
It offers a spreadsheet , a word processor and a
database, and if you think I am talking about a
conventional integrated program, you are wrong.
PipeDream does all those things within one
program. No switching between modules or
cutting and pasting; PipeDream simply offers you
a matrix of slots' into which you can either type
continuous text or figures or formulae or
database ' fields' . "
That was PipeDream on the Z88.
Now we've completely rewritten it for
Archimedes. The result is even friendlier, faster
and more powerful. There are full menus and
dialogue boxes, making the most complex
operations easy to carry out. You'll probably
never even need to look at the comprehensive
PipeDream tutorial and reference book. And
keyboard wizards will love the optimised
keystroke alternatives to the menus. Some will
even devise their own key layouts, using
PipeDream's unique keyboard programmability.
We've maintained 100% file and keystroke
compatibility with Z88 PipeDream, so you can
transfer files between the Z88 and your
Archimedes.
PipeDream is also 100% file compatible with
PipeDream on the IBM PC, and Acornsoft's VIEW
PROFESSIONAL for the BBC Microcomputer,
so you could work at home on your BBc
Microcomputer and take your riles to the office
on your Z88, to use on your Archimedes or IBM
PC. No other software enables you to share your
files with all these computers.
• full spreadsheet power includes dates
• live calculations within formatted text
• flexible printing of special highlights such as
underlining and bold text
• documents consisting of many separate files.
POWER
AT YOUR
FINGERTIPS
For more information or to order PipeDream cut
out the coupon or phone us on 0954 211472
In most cases orders will be despatched the same
day, but please allow 28 days for delivery.
i 1
Please send me more information on PipeDream □
Please send me PipeDream packs
Retail price £99.00 £
VAT £14.85 £
Postage UK Free
Postage overseas £10.00 £ |
TOTAL £ -
Please tick box. Acorn Archimedes 3 y /i” disk □ MS-DOS 5V4* disk □ MS-DOS 3 V 2 " diskQ
Payment SCVisaQ E3 Access □ Cheque □
Credit card number I I II I | | | | | | I I | | | |
Credit card expiry date
Name (as on credit card) ■
Address : . ■
Simply type in your letter or invoice, leaving gaps
for names, addresses and payment dates, men
PipeDream will print the letter to each addressee,
automatically inserting all the details, and
keeping the text neatly formatted and aligned.
Postcode.
Send to Colton Software, Broadway House, 149—151 St. Neots Road, Hardwick, Cambridge CB3 7QJ AU/8/88
I
PipeDream is a trademark of Colton Software Limited. Archimedes is a trademark of Acorn Computers Limited.
IBM and PC are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft.
Lotus 1 -2-3 is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. Z88 is a trademark of Cambridge Computer Limited.
ACORNUSER
ISSUE No 73 AUGUST 1988
COVER
NEWS
REVIEWS
REGULARS
COVER FEATURE
Adventures to the fore -
first of a series on page 64
Illustration by Gary Powell
EDITORIAL
T he Arc’s first year
passes with this issue,
and it has now
attracted some good software.
First Word Plus is an excellent
character-based
wordprocessor, System Delta
Plus a fine database manager,
and Artisan, Logo and the PC
Emulator stand out.
Good software is a rare
commodity: innovative
packages don’t appear very
often. There has been, over
the last five years, a great deal
of innovation in BBC
software, and the best
available is very good. In this
issue we review two clear
winners: Sc/, and Pine-
apple’s PCB design package.
But there are a host of
other authors writing Arc
programs that are no real
advance on model B software.
Faster, using more memory
maybe, but not that different.
The question is, can former
8-bit software houses grow up
with the Arc, become more
professional, yet keep their
innovative streak?
ARC PRICES RISE 7
New Micron et charges; Arc
music progress; typesetting on
a BBC micro
C0MMS COLUMN
11
EDUCATION NEWS
15
N0TICEB0ARD
17
READER SERVICE
17
COMPETITION RESULTS 17
BLUNDERBOX
17
FEATURES
JOE'S JOTTINGS 55
Easy-to-understand graphs and
charts can be drawn from
complex-looking numbers on a
spreadsheet
BE ADVENTUROUS 64
Peter Vokc describes the his-
tory of adventuring, and intro-
duces Warlord , the fiendish
adventure on our monthly disc
COLOUR BY NUMBERS 72
Dump your graphics screens in
colour using coloured ribbons
in your dot-matrix printer, says
Muriel Dearlovc
MICRO AS ALLY 75
Schools need clear advice on
introducing new technology.
Here’s some words from ex-
perienced teachers
GAMES PAGE 103
Sam Green hi 11 with the latest
news on games, plus what
makes a game the best?
Graphics, sound, novelty or
just plain addictiveness?
GAMES REVIEWS 105
Can Mandarin’s Icarus or Su-
perior’s Barbarian excite; can
Haylcy’s Stranded adventure
intrigue?
TECHNICAL TEXTS 106
Martin Phillips examines two
specialist wordproccssors lor
scientific and foreign language
use. One is a clear winner
BETTER BY OESIGN 109
Pineapple’s printed circuit
board design and auto-routing
program is checked out by
Malcolm Brown
MOVE UP TO 24-PIN 112
The latest units are all a cut
above the old 9-pin printers;
how do four new models from
Toshiba, NEC, Panasonic and
Citizen measure up?
EDUCATION
HINTS & TIPS 41
Press a button to print out the
screen, upgrade screen dumps
on an NEC 24-pin printer, plus
fast maths and how to cope
with disc copying. David
Atherton presides
ARC AGORA 48
David Acton describes writing
a relocatable module to save
and load compacted screens
plus printing a directory tree
and using events
REPTON COMPETITION 71
Win a unique cuddly Repton
NEWS 15
Tests on 32-bit hardware; new
teachers’ conference
FEATURE 75
Chris Dragc and Nick Evans
discuss the introduction of in-
formation technology into
schools and offer advice based
on their experience
NETWORKS 120
Give every Econct station in
the school access to the Ceefax
and Oracle services
DESIGN CLINIC 119
Tony Quinn kicks off a new
regular look at DTP
Bl
BA airliner- in drama at o.OOO feet
JETS MISS
DISASTER
BY YARDS
Hurd pledges
more police
to fight
crime war in
the shires
NETWORK PAGE 12
Alistair Shimmin explains how
to install an Econct teletext ser
ver, and introduces a new pro
tocol for resource servers
YELLOW PAGES
LETTERS
ADVERTISERS JNDEX 134
FREE ADS 135
NEXT MONTH
Add GKS graphics to the
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
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2 A Dabhand Guide
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This excellent book from Acorn expert David Atherton, is the
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It covers all features of the Acorn MOS including 65C12
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
MULTI-USER GAME
>
L\
CCESS TO A MODEM?
THEN DIAL DIRECT INTO
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
J ithout subscribing to Prestel or
^ I Micronet you can now dial direct
into Shades through Derived Service
Network (DSN). Even as one of the
leading multi-user games, it has been
one of the best kept secrets around.
Accessible in either viewdata or scrolling
modes, everyone with a micro and a
modem will soon be pitting their wits in
the land of Shades.
Is players are free to roam anywhere,
I this enthralling game takes you on
an adventure unlike any other. Real life
choices and decisions to be made, as you
meet fellow travellers and strange
mystical beings en route.
I egin as a novice and work your
^ way up to the all-powerful status
of Wizard but beware there are those
ready to trap you. So plan your strategy
well - perhaps with others, at one of the
Shades popular meeting places.
TELEMAP GROUP LTD, DURRANT HOUSE, 8 HERBAL HILL, LONDON>^ClR 5EJ
At time of going to press all calls are charged^ 5.06p per 12 seconds off-peak and 5.06p per o&K£onds peak inclusive of VAT
PLUG IN YOUR MODEM, DIAL 0898 10 0890 AND BE READY TO EMBAR
ON THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIMfcvAVAILABLE ON 1200 /75 BAUD
For users of the BBC Micro,
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RISC USER
For Archimedes
users
Subscribe to BEEBUG or RISC User and not only will you receive an informative
magazine mailed directly to your own address for 1 year,
But you will also benefit from:
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A swift mail order service for all your hardware and software needs at competitive
prices, and with 5% members’ discount.
A showroom with knowledgeable staff on hand, where you can try out the latest
hardware, peripherals and software.
Free members’ adverts in BEEBUG to sell your unwanted kit.
A trade-in service to upgrade your BBC/Master to a new Master/Archimedes.
25% members’ discount on the entire Beebugsoft range of software.
An Acorn appointed specialist support and service centre.
EMM
The magazine is now in its sixth
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subscribers throughout the world.
Its proven format has been
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and Master computer users in the
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Each issue of BEEBUG provides
72 pages of articles, programs
(utilities, applications etc), tutorials,
workshops, reviews, hints & tips,
news and information for beginners
and experts alike. All our programs
are tested on all versions of the BBC
Micro, and are also available monthly
on disc or tape.
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This is the magazine for everyone
interested in Acorn’s RISC computer,
the Archimedes. Launched at the
same time as Archimedes, RISC User
provides lively and informed coverage
of what’s happening in the world of
Archimedes.
Reviews, hints, programs and articles
are all specifically written for
Archimedes, showing how to exploit
the many features of this sophisticated
computer. RISC User is all about the
Archimedes; it does not contain
modified programs originally intended
for the Model B or Master.
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AU8 j
I EWS
Trade wars hit
micro prices
Oak turns
to design
A computer-aided design pack-
age for the Archimedes is the
irst of a series of ‘professional*
software from Oak Computers.
The £295 program claims to
be unique in that it uses a
parametric system. Most CAD
programs understand drawings
as sets of co-ordinates.
Oak’s Parametric Design
Tool understands them in
terms of the relationships be-
tween components. This has
advantages when it comes to
redrawing or deleting areas,
says Oak’s David Driscoll.
The company already custo-
mises Archimedes hardware for
its clients and is planning to
build its own machine around
the ARM chip set.
Easy addition
Many electronics buffs have ex-
perience in creating their own
hardware add-ons. But adding
to the Arc is more difficult,
requiring expensive interface
expansion cards.
Atomwide has produced a
prototyping expansion card, to
which users can attach their
own chips and develop the
hardware they need.
Two versions are available, a
blank printed circuit board for
£17.25 and a board containing
interfacing chips at £40.25.
Official tests on the various
micros fighting to be used in
schools are being undertaken
by the National Council for
Eductional Technology. The
council will check software
compatibility by testing the
machines* ability to run com-
mon classroom packages.
Last year’s policy statement
By Carol Atack
Acorn has raised the cost of
two Archimedes models and
many of the add-on cards. The
310 and 440 now cost £1211
and £3159 (including VAT),
with the colour displays neces-
sary to exploit the machine’s
graphics. This is an average
eight per cent increase.
Dealer Jay Mehta, of Tech-
nomatic, said, T expected
Acorn to increase its prices in
April. Other companies have
put prices up because of the
memory problem.’
The fast dynamic RAM chips
the Archimedes and other adv-
The first Acorn product to be
bought by Olivetti is a laser
printer controller for IBM PCs,
and Olivetti has ordered £0.5m
worth of them.
The card is powered by the
ARM chip and could allow
PostScript-based desktop pub-
lishing software to be used with
cheap non-PostScript laser
on micros, New Technology
for Better Schools , stressed two
points for hardware buying -
flexibility and compatibility.
The report summarised the
capabilities of 19 machines
ranging from the Master to
Torch Triple-X running Unix.
The council will test the com-
patibility claimed for the
Page: ‘reluctant’ Jessa: ‘backfire’
anced computers use have be-
come more expensive. This has
been blamed on American pro-
tectionist laws stemming the
flow of cheap Japanese compo-
nents and resulting in a world-
wide memory chip famine.
Amstrad and Atari raised
printers. The Acorn card,
known as a raster image pro-
cessor, could let even the dum-
best laser printers understand
PostScript or other page de-
scription languages.
But the card contains no
software. It is up to buyers like
Olivetti to supply a PostScript
interpreter.
Macintosh, RM Nimbus, and
Acorn’s Archimedes. It will
concentrate on the newer 16-
and 32-bit micros.
BBC Basic is available on
most micros, and will no doubt
be part of the study. Another
element considered will be abil-
ity to swap files through direct
links and networks.
prices several months ago and
blamed the chip famine, but
Acorn was reluctant to point
the finger at any one factor for
the price rises. Spokesman
Michael Page said, The shor-
tage of chips is a factor, but not
the only one. There has been
no price change on these
machines for nine months and
there are several things which
have affected us.’
Other increases are the
0.5Mb memory upgrade for the
305, now £171.35, and the
20Mb hard disc and controller,
now £573.85. The input/output
expansion card will cost £97.75.
The less powerful Master series
and Archimedes model 305 re-
main at the same price.
There will be plenty more
price rises throughout the com-
puter industry as American and
EEC protectionist legislation
takes effect. Japanese printers
are the first to be affected with
the EEC imposing punitive
levies on machines manufac-
tured outside its boundaries.
Technomatic is holding the
increase on the printers they
sell to six per cent, although
Mehta expects this to change as
the manufacturers run out o
pre-levy stocks.
Nazir Jessa of Watford Elec-
tronics who sells a wide range
of Japanese printers, is unim-
pressed by Europe’s reasoning.
The whole thing will backfire
because British and American
manufacturers cannot produce
these printers at the price or
quality. I just hope that they
will reconsider it.’
School hardware on trial
Olivetti buys RISC card
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
7
STAR LC-1 0 PRINTER
OFFER ONLY £189 inclusive
★ FREE BBC PRINTER CABLE
★ FREE NEXT-DAY DELIVERY
THIS SPECIAL OFFER IS ONLY TO READERS OF
ACORN USER MAGAZINE.
No other printer on the market today offers this
performance at this price!
: Just some of its features:-
• VERY RELIABLE
• VERY HIGH QUALITY PRINT
• EIGHT NLQ FONTS (4+4 ITALIC)
• 4K BUFFER
• 144 CPS DRAFT + 36 CPS NLQ
• EPSON LX800 / IBM COMPATIBLE
• PAPER PARKING (USE SINGLE SHEETS
WITHOUT REMOVING TRACTOR FEED
PAPER)
• COMPREHENSIVE FRONT PANEL - USING
MODERN ‘TOUCH’ CONTROLS
ALL THIS FOR ONLY £164.35 + VAT (£189.00) WITH
FREE BBC CABLE AND NEXT DAY DELIVERY!
BUY NOW AND SAVE £85!
BBC MASTER 1 28 ONLY £395 INCLUSIVE.
ARCHIMEDES PRICES ON APPLICATION
TIGER SOFTWARE
66 ST MICHAELS LANE, BRIDPORT, DORSET DT6 3RB.
TEL: 0308 27691
Archimedes
DESKTOP ENHANCER
This enhancement of the Acorn Archimedes DESKTOP
provides a consistent working environment, incorporating
the following additions:
New Desktop features
return to Desktop after running programs - save/restore
DeskTop setup and colour palette - full path names as
window titles.
Disk Management
display free space - find a file anywhere on disc - change
disc name - compact or verify disc - copy floppy disc
- backup hard disc to floppies.
File Handling
change file time stamp, access and type - print file to
screen or printer - set user root, current and library
directories.
Access to programs
run Basic and execute EXEC files (’commands) - clear
screen before running programs - ’pause’ to read
messages before returning to DeskTop.
Directory Management
Display Directory map of a disc - go to subdirectory -
delete directory.
MITRE I SOFTWARE LIMITED
SO MUCH MORE FROM YOUR DESKTOP - £29.95 (incl VAT)
International House. 26 Creechurch Lane. London EC3A 5BA
Tel: 01-283-4646
m
■u
C/>
O
0
§
o
a
VI
a
s
□
O
f
L
C
X
HCCS
Telephone: (091) 487 0760
Archimedes Computer Systems
Archimedes 305 £699.00
Archimedes 305 Mono System £749.00
Archimedes 305 Colour System £899.00
Archimedes 310 £835.00
Archimedes 310 Mono System £895.00
Archimedes 310 Colour System £975.00
Archimedes 410 £1399.00
Archimedes 410 Mono System £1499.00
Archimedes 410 Colour System £1599.00
Archimedes 440 £2529.00
Archimedes 440 Mono System £2589.00
Archimedes 440 Colour System £2749.00
Archimedes Podules /Upgrades
0.5Mb RAM (Archimedes 305 only) £149.00
Floppy Disc £125.00
20Mb Hard Disc+Podule (300 Series) £499.00
Podule Backplane £39.00
Archimedes/Master Econet Module £40.00
5V4" Floppy Drive Module £24.00
Master Series
Master 128 £365.00
Master Turbo Module £95.00
Master Eprom Cartridge £1 1 .00
Master Compact Series
Master Compact Entry System £349.00
Master Compact TV System £363.00
Master Compact Mono System £399.00
Master Compact Colour System £549.00
RS 232 Kit £26.00
Additional Floppy Disc Drive £99.00
Pal TV Adaptor £26.00
Scientific Series
4Mb Workstation £3250.00
32016 1Mb Second Processor £1050.00
Panos 1.4 Upgrade Kit £29.00
X25 Gateway £2150.00
Gateway Access Pack £130.00
BBC AIV System
BBC AIV and Domesday System Prices on request
HCCS ASSOCIATES LIMITED
575-583 Durham Road
Engine Lane
Low Fell
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear NE9 5JJ
HCCS - PRODUCTS
Video Digitiser
£99.00
Includes ROM and Disc Software.
Facilities include, image grab, outlining,
smoothing, window manipulation, distance and
area measurement charting of relative eight
grey scale quantities.
Accepts standard video signals. Menu driven.
Voice Recognition System £299.00
Utilising state of the art NEC chip set.
Teaching mode 128 word capacity. Down
load from disc any number of 128 sets. Can
be used instead of keyboard after teaching.
Almost 100% recognition rate. The up and
coming input method.
EPROM adapter for 12.5V EPROMS 2764/128/
256 fits virtually all current blowers enables
the use of cheaper Eproms £1 5 00
CDT/TVEI componentry price list on application.
Waoorh
APPROVED
All prices are exclusive of V.A.T. All items are subject to availability. All prices are subject to change
without notice. Price and stock status available on request. Official orders welcome. Carriage free.
MICRO _ _
ECONET SERVICE EDUCATION SCIENTIFIC DOMESDAY GENERAL CIIMANA SERVICE VITEC SERVICE — LNEN?
CENTRE CENTRE CENTRE DEALER DEALER DEALER APPROVED DEALER CENTRE APPROVED DEALER CENTRE Gf^KPHCS
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SERVICE
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8
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
News in brief
i Peartree Computers has gone
I into receivership. The com-
pany, which built its fortunes
on add-on boards for the BBC
micro, lost its Acorn dealership
earlier this year, and was forced
to withdraw its Music 87
synthesiser after it faded to
come up to scratch.
Cash-flow problems caused
I by over-commitment to the
Music 87 project are believed to
have brought the company
down, although it will continue
| to trade under the receiver.
I Solinet, the Solidisk user
1 group, has set up a library of
public domain software.
A series of 80-track discs will
I be made available, including
programs such as a page editor
and toolkit ROM. Although
submissions are invited, would-
be contributors are reminded
that submissions must be
copyright free and the author
must be made aware that the
program has been sent in.
I Solinet is not the only group
with an interest in public do-
main software — which has
become big business for the
IBM PC and Apple Macintosh
The Northern Ireland comput-
ing company Tempo Systems
aims to get in on the act with a
new division formed specifical
ly to gather and distribute pub
lie domain software for the
| BBC micro.
j BBC micro users who prefer
gentler, traditional pastimes to
violent shoot-em-up games
should read the latest catalogue
from Great Elm Services. This
includes crossword and word
puzzle games for the BBC and
the Electron. Top of the range
is a crossword writing pro-
| gram, at £28.50.
As only one key needs to be
pressed it is suitable for use by
the disabled; small crosswords
can be shown in a large format
for those with poor sight.
Number and word puzzle crea-
tion programs also feature in
I the range.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
Arc swings into music
Music looks like being the first
of the niche markets Acorn is
to exploit with the Archimedes.
An expansion card to link to
electronic instruments fitted
with the MIDI standard inter-
face is to be launched later this
month.
The BBC B has already had
some success in reaching pro-
fessional musicians — including
chart toppers Erasure and
Ultravox — - with MIDI equip-
ment from UMI, and the Hyb-
rid Music 5000 system.
Acorn is making a first
appearance at the British Music
Fair in Wembley to show off
the expansion card, which costs
£79.35 and includes MIDI in,
out and through ports. Addi-
tional chips will be included to
enable the Arc to control exter
nal musical instruments and to
make its own sounds simul-
taneously if required.
Archimedes users who have
already bought the input/
output expansion card can buy
a MIDI add-on for £44.85. This
contains the in and out ports
but not the through port or the
processing chips.
Acorn’s David Bell said:
‘Music is a fast-growing area of
SreareaSngl^ top groups using Beeb-based MIDI gear
the computer market. If you
walk down any high street you
will see MIDI keyboards for
sale in the shops.’ He is work-
ing with third party developers
to ensure that the machine’s
MIDI capability is adequately
supported by software.
For example, Armadillo Sys-
tems is working on professional
quality hardware and software
to make use of the card. This
should be available in Septem-
ber. Another partner is Electro
Music Research whose Sound-
synth system is aimed at the
home user.
Armadillo Systems is further
exploiting the Archimedes’
speed with the release of a
Fourier analysis program. The
program, Spectre , takes a sam-
pled sound and splits it into its
separate harmonics. These are
displayed on screen in either
two or three dimensions, and|
can then be edited.
Because of the Archimedes’
speed the analysis can take only
10 milliseconds as opposed to
the 30 seconds it would take on
a BBC B. For the first time a
home computer can be used to
perform Fourier functions such
as real time spectral analysis.
The program costs £46, or £161
including the sampler expan-
sion card and software.
Two new
Dabs guides
Dabs Press has published two
more books for BBC and Arc
users. First is C: a Dabhand
Guide , by Mark Burgess.
This costs £14.95 and in-
cludes chapters of specific rele-
vance to the BBC and the
Archimedes, as well as intro-
ducing the language.
Support discs are available in
Beebug C for the BBC and
Zorland C for the IBM-
compatible Master 512.
The second book is Mike
Ginns’ Archimedes Assembly
mmm\ Dabhand Guido wmm
MIKE GINNS
ARCHIMEDES
ASSEMBLY
LANGUAGE
The
Complete
Programming
Course
.DABS,
PRESS
Language , also £14.95.
Meanwhile, the software side
of Dabs is moving into the
games market with an
Archimedes shoot-em-up, Ale-
rion for £14.95.
Word search
If you turn to a regular diction-
ary to check on computer ter-
minology, you’ll often be dis-
appointed. The latest technical
jargon simply isn’t there. Ihe
new Chambers Science and\
Techology Edition , heavily re- 1
vised is the answer.
Its 45,000 entries cover all
the main branches of science
and technology, and computing
entries include names of lan-
guages and abbreviations as
well as the usual gobbledy-
gook. The 1000-page paperback
is a reasonable investment at
£16.95, with the hardback |
weighing in at £30.
SILICON VISION
CAD SOFTWARE
FOR THE ARCHIMEDES & BBC
REALTIME SOLIDS MODELLER £89.95
The complete 3D Solids/Wireframe package for architectural
design, interior design, engineering design, teaching CDT and 3D
geometry, molecular modelling, mathematical plots, scientific
Processing and high speed flicker-free 3D animation.
(BBC B/ B+/ Master 128). Enquire for Archimedes version.
ARC-PCB
£POA
The ultimate PCB design system custom written for the
Archimedes with a specification that can't be matched. Includes
fully automatic routing. Write for detailed information.
(Archimedes 305, 310, 410 & 440)
\3D CAD/ANIMATION SYSTEM £12.95 (BBC)
£19.95 (ARC)
This is a full blown 3D CAD & Animation system that can handle
wireframe models of any complexity.
(BBC B/ B+/ Master 1 28)
(Archimedes 305, 310, 410 & 440)
SUPER-DUMP
£15.95
The ultimate printer driver which prints at a resolution of,
1920x1024 on ordinary Epson compatible printers. The packaqe
is fully compatible with our 3D graphics packages and all other
fPP[ip a ^ l0ns that can create VDU plotfiles of a screen imaqe.
(BBC B/ B+/ Master 128). Enquire for Archimedes version.
Access
Write for free catalogue.
All prices include VAT and P&P.
SILICON VISION LTD, CAD DEPT, SIGNAL HOUSE, LYON
ROAD, HARROW, MIDDX, HA1 2AG. TEL: 01-422 2274 or
01-861 2173. Fax: 01-427 5169. Telex: 918266 SIGNAL G.
10
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
NEWS
THE COMMS COLUMN
Masters at work
A husband and wife team based
in south Cambridgeshire are
using the Master to power their
marketing, typesetting and
office services company. Rye-
croft Data was started three
years ago by John and Chris-
tina Clark with the aid of a
BBC B computer, Wordwise
wordprocessing software and a
printer. Since then two Masters
and an IBM-compatible have
been added to the company’s
offices (above), with an Arch-
imedes on its way to link the
machines. The company offers
secretarial services such as
wordprocessing business let-
ters, plus typesetting and de-
sign work. Ryecroft will also
maintain a database for com-
panies and send out mailshots.
Wordwise Plus files are fed
through Telecom Gold to type-
setters Wordstream in Dorset.
Bromides are returned the next
day ready to be made up into
documents by Ryecroft.
Fancy fonts for 24-pins
Users of 24-pin dot-matrix
printers often find that their
software is not sophisticated
enough to generate the special
characters their printers are
capable of printing.
Wordpower, a BBC word-
processor which runs on all
Acorn machines from Electron
to Archimedes, has long had
the flexibility of output to do
this. But the increasing popu-
larity of 24-pin printers has led
program developer Ian Cope-
stake Software to release a wide
range of what it calls ‘power
fonts’. The Wordpower prog-
ram with one font costs £63.25
and extra fonts are £21.85 each.
The power fonts can also be
used with other programs.
Typefaces — which include Ir-
ish Gaelic, chemistry symbols
and A PL characters — are sup-
plied on disc to be downloaded
into the printer. Educational
site licences are available for all
products from £100.
School software appeal
A Lancashire school is appeal-
ing for software to help it run
its annual community compu-
ter camp during the summer.
Staff at Kaskenmoor School
in Oldham expect up to 400
disadvantaged young people to
take the courses, along with
other members of the commun-
I ity. Older students, the un-
waged and housewives will re-
ceive courses in business com
puting, using the school’s BBC
micros, Archimedes and PCs.
Camp director Mike Hum
phrey believes that this will be
a good opportunity to impress
them with new programs
Further details from the school
on 061-681 4116.
Prestel has increased its pric-
ing structure from July 1, rais-
ing the annual subscription
charge for the first time in five
years by 21 per cent (to £20 per
quarter for Prestel and Mic-
ronet) and raising the peak-
time access charge by 17 per
cent to 7p per minute.
A further change is that off-
peak access, previously free, is
now charged at lp per minute,
and Saturday between 1pm and
6pm at peak-time rates. Sub
scribers to Prestel who do not
use Micronet face a quarterly
subscription of £8, up from
£6.50. Business users are now
charged £30 per quarter for the
combined service, £18 for Pres
tel alone.
Two concessions have been
made to Micronet members to
offset these charges. The Shades
and Teletalk areas, which
already carry a time charge of
3p per minute, will not carry
the lp charge as well; and time
on the system will still be free
from midnight until 8am, while
(and only while) accessing Mic
ronet pages. That means it will
be cheaper to chat with chat-
lines than through mailboxes,
as Mailbox is not part of Mic-
ronet. Micronet’s managing
director John Tomany claims
to have ‘fought very hard’ for
these changes.
Another price change which
was notified at the same time
concerns Interlink, Micronet’s
Telecom Gold gateway. The re
sidential subscription charge
for this has been reduced
that the total charge for Mic-
ronet, Prestel and Interlink ac
ss is £23 per quarter, and
there is no Gold registration fee
(this is unchanged).
This effectively means that
Interlink now costs £1 per
month, cheaper than rival Mic-
rolink - but remember that the
latter has the old charging sys-
tem where no charge is made
for the amount of text that is
actually sent.
Micronet users Melanie
Weaver and Jez Thorpe have
become the first couple to mar-
ry after meeting in Telemap’s
Shades , multi-user game. Their
characters met in the fantasy
game while roaming in the
woods around the castle. Ihey
actually married as characters
the game, and then four
in
to
weeks later, got engaged
each other, and recently had a
real live wedding at a church in
Cornwall.
On the subject of Shades , the
game is now available to non-
Micronet subscribers via the
BT Value Added system on
(0898) 100890. This is, of
course, one of those 25p per
minute (38p in peak hours)
numbers. The game is part of
Funtel, a new service from
Telemap which replaces Hotel |
California, which apparently
was a three-month experiment.
The number is the same as
Hotel California’s. Shades is
the main part of Funtel,
although there are other on-line
games and competitions. You
pay for the services through |
your normal BT phone bill.
The bulletin board in the
spotlight this month is the
Dwarven Realm, run by fan-
tasy role-playing game (FRPG)
enthusiast Peter Jones, also
known as Thanatos. FRP
gameplay is, as you might ex-
pect, conducted on the board,
but Peter is a Beeb enthusiast,
and you could occasionally find
this showing through.
The system runs on a Model
B with 56Mb Viglen Winches-
ter in Viewdata format (Prestel
software, 1200/75 modem) on
(0376) 501036. This is a recent
number change following
Essex-based Peter’s move from |
Ilford to Witham.
David Atherton
Have you got any comms news?
If so, contact David Atherton
either at Acorn User, or on his\
mailboxeSy Prestel 942876210 or \
Gold 72: MAG11596.
ACORN USKR AUGUST 1988
11
The Best Deals
on Arc hime des
From BEEBUG ^ [/Archimedes
n
1 0% FINANCE
For a limited period we are able to offer 0% APR finance
over 9 months on the purchase of any Archimedes. You pay
no interest at all. This is a brand new scheme only available
from BEEBUG. The deposit and repayments are shown
below.
Deposit 9 Payments
A305 Base C83.85 £80.00
A305 Mono £87.35 £86.00
A305 Colour £106.85 £103.00
A310M Base £96.25 £96.00
A310M Mono £108.75 £101.00
A310M Colour £119.25 £119.00
Deposit 9 Payments
A3 10 Base £90.25 £89.00
A310 Mono £102.75 £94.00
A310 Colour £113.25 £112.00
A440 Base £267.85 £264.00
A440 Mono £271.35 £270.00
A440 Colour £290.85 £287.00
r
3 FREE PC EMULATOR OR
ON-SITE MAINTENANCE
Join RISC USER, the Archimedes magazine and support
9 rou P.and purchase your Archimedes by Cheque, Access
Visa, Official Order or 11.5% finance and we will supply vou
absolutely free, 10 3.5" discs, a lockable disc storage box
printer lead and the latest version of The PC Emulator from ’
Acorn. Alternatively we will provide 1 year on-site
maintenance for your Archimedes absolutely free (8 hour
call out guaranteed). y v
A305 Base E803.85 Mono £861.35 Colour £1033.85
A310Base £891.25 Mono £948.75 Colour£1121 25
A440 Base £2643.85 Mono £2701.35 Colour £2873^85
TRADE IN YOUR OLD
BBC, MASTER OR COMPACT
FOR AN ARCHIMEDES
We will be pleased to accept your old computer (in working
condition) as part exchange towards the purchase of an
Archimedes. (If you use the finance scheme this will replace
your initial deposit on a 305/310, so you pay nothing now)
Allowances are as follows:
BBC Issue 4 No DFS £125
BBC Issue 4 DFS £175
BBC Issue 7 No DFS £175
BBC Issue 7 DFS (Or B + ) £225
Master 128 £250
Compact Base System £215
Please phone for allowances on other Compact and Master
systems.
11.5% FINANCE
OVER 12 TO 36 MONTHS
As a Licensed Credit Broker we are able to offer finance on
the purchase of any equipment, including the Archimedes
You still benefit from the free PC Emulator, discs, disc box
and printer lead. (Typical APR 23% on the purchase of a 310
Colour system over 36 months.
Deposit £126.25 36 payments of £3736).
DISCOUNTS FOR
EDUCATION
TO FIND OUT MORE
PHONE OR WRITE NOW.
TEL: 0727 40303
We offer a complete service,
including Advice. Technical
Support, Showroom, Mail Order
and Repairs. Our showroom in St.
Albans stocks everything available
for the Archimedes. Call in for a
demonstration.
We are able to offer attractive discounts to Education
Authorities, Schools, Colleges and Health Authorities.
Please write with your requirements for a quotation.
Please indicate your requirements below.
Subscription to Rise User (£14.50 UK) □ Information Pack and Catalogue □ 0% Finance Form for
305/310/310M/440 Base/Mono/Colour □ 12*36 Months Finance Form for 305/310/310M/440
Base/Mono/Colour □ Trade In BBC/Master/Compact □ Purchase 305/310/440 Base/Mono/Colour □
UK Courier Delivery £7.00. Overseas please ask for a quotation.
I enclose a cheque value £
Please debit my Access/Visa/Connect Card No
Expiry. / with £
I
Name
Address
Signature ^U8
Beebug, Dolphin Place, Holywell Hill, St. Albans, Herts AL1 1 E)
BEEBUG - The Archimedes Specialists
Tel: 0727 40303
NEWS
Prestel
British Telecom’s Prestel ser- 1
vice has increased its subscrip-
tion and connection charges
and provoked an angry re-
sponse from users. What has
upset them, especially home us-
ers who subscribe to on-line
magazine Micronet, is the in-
troduction of a penny a minute
charge for evening use of the
system. Before the price rises
off-peak use only cost the price
of a local phone call. For the
users who only log-on on
weekday evenings this repre-
sents a huge increase.
Acorn User's Prestel mailbox
has been jammed with letters
from irate Micronetters. ‘This
will kill the system for home
users. Please try to do some-
thing about it’, said Tim De-
dopulos. Many feel that while
business users would not notice
the six to seven pence a minute
Arc gets
started
The latest major software re-
lease for the Archimedes is
Mitre Software’s relational
database manager Flying Start
II.
‘What made us do a version
for the Archimedes was that we
liked the machine’ explained
Mitre’s Gerald Hilt. ‘The new
version is the same as the PC
version except that it runs
much faster with RISC.’
The package includes a de-
monstration disc to show the
features of the database, and
sample data is included to show
practical application. With the
program disc and documenta-
tion the package costs £99.
This package is already
familiar in its IBM PC version,
which was under the Arc’s PC
emulator. The latest version
works in the Arc’s native
mode, making full use of the
ARM chip’s speed.
rise angers users
rise in the peak charges, the
introduction of the evening
charge will deter home users.
Telemap spokesperson David
Rosenbaum replied that there
was no time charge between
midnight and 8am. ‘If someone
logs on for an hour a week in
the evening it’s only going to
cost them the same as half a
pint, which is still good value
for money.’
Telemap has offset the in-
creased Micronet subscription
charges with Interlink, provid-
ing improved access to mail
service Telecom Gold. Personal
subscriptions rise from £66 to
£79.95 a year and the business
rate has risen to £119.95.
Computer journalist Steve
Gold commented that the new
charges could hit both Mic-
ronet and Prestel hard, with
Micronet standing to lose sub-
scribers unwilling to pay time
charges. ‘My main worry is not
that British Telecom will close
the Prestel service but that it
will stop serving the general
user and become aimed at spe-
cialist areas’, he said.
Meanwhile Telemap is ex-
panding away from its Prestel
base with the launch of a new
division, Funtel, accessed on
0898 numbers. Services include
the Hotel California entertain-
ment service.
Clean sweep
While there are electric
simulation circuits on the BBC
micro there is not much equip-
ment to verify the behaviour of
real circuits.
Add-on B-Sweep produces
frequency response graphs by
sending a sine-wave through
the circuit. Manufacturer Mel-
ford Designs believes that the
£95 unit will be useful for
education as well as industry.
CAD book
Designs on your Desktop is a
new book which sets out to
explain the benefits o
computer-aided design (CAD\
It aims to cover all aspects o:
computerised design and con-
vert everyone from the manag-
ing director to the newest sta:
member to using computers. It
covers various aspects of CAD
and three dimensional model -
ing. Written by engineer Harry
Atherton the book is publishec
by Sigma Press for £11.95.
Wordprocessing
tops with readers
Wordprocessing has overtaken
programming as the most
popular activity for Acorn User
readers according to the survey
in May’s issue.
Over 1500 people replied to
the survey. 1189 listed word-
processing as one of their top
five activities, while 1113
named programming.
The most popular machine is
the BBC B owned by 57 per
cent of respondents. Arc own-
ers make up 7 per cent, three-
quarters of them having kept
their Acorn micro. Interesting-
ly, most had a 310 or 440,
rather than the cheaper 305;
shades of the model A?
Hints and Tips is the best
section in Acorn User , say
readers, followed by Letters,
News, and Joe’s Jottings.
Over a third of the replies
came from readers in educa-
tion. One in six is a teacher.
The influence of Acorn
machines was shown with one
in five readers being in en-
gineering, computing or re-
search. 14 per cent were self-
employed or in professional or
managerial positions.
When it came to suggestions
for articles, one of the most
popular was a history of
Acorn. This is in fact already
underway with part one in the
next issue.
The winner of the Arc was
Nigel Potter of Reading for his
suggestion of a series of articles
on designing dance steps using
footprint icons. Sheer original-
ity won through. J van der Post
in the Netherlands with utility
programs for form filling, and
N Phizackerley of Lancaster on
mapping two-dimensional data,
both won Compacts.
ACORN USKR AUGUST 1988
13
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RISC USER
We have launched a magazine and support group specifically
for users of Archimedes. The magazine provides news,
reviews, hints and programs, while the support group gives
Technical Advice and 5% discount on our range of
Archimedes products. UK subscription is £14.50 per annum.
New BEEBUG 0% Finance
We are now able to offer customers 0% finance on
Archimedes Computers.
Please contact us for written details.
We also offer normal finance on all other
equipment over £300.
ARCHIMEDES 300 SERIES
Alzvays in stock
0190G BBC 305 Entry System *
01 91 G BBC 305 Mono System *
0192GBBC 305 Colour System *
01 93G BBC 31 0 Entry System *
0194G BBC 310 Mono System *
0195GBBC 310 Colour System *
0257GBBC 31 OM Entry System
0258GBBC310M Mono System
0259G BBC 31 OM Colour System
803.85
861.35
1033.85
891.25
948.75
1121.25
960.25
1017.75
1190.25
* Free software See Special Offer box for details
Trade-In your BBC
or Master Series
Computer for an
Archimedes.
Sample Discounts available:
BBC B issue 7 with DFS £225
Master 128 £250
Master Compact Entry £215
Computers must obviously be in good
working condition to qualify for this offer.
Please telephone for further details
PRICES INCLUDE VAT
Where two prices are shown, the first is our
full price and the second our members price.
BOOKS
1242C Programmers Ref. Man.
1271 B ARM Assembly Prog.
CLARES
1095B Artisan
1096B Image Writer
1097B Archimedes Toolkit
1098B Alpha Base
1099B Artisan Support Disc
39.95
29.95
39.95
49.95
19.95
35.96
26.96
35.96
44.96
18.95
ARCHIMEDES UPGRADES
0234B Econet Board (as M128)
0266C 0.5Mb RAM (305 only)
0267F Floppy Disc Drive
0268G20Mb Hard Disc (300’s)
0269C Podule Backplane
0270DROM Podule
0271 D I/O Podule
0272DMIDI add-on to I/O
48.88
46.43
102.35
97.23
143.75
136.56
573.85
545.16
44.85
42.61
67.85
64.46
90.85
86.31
33.35
31.68
MEMBERS SPECIAL OFFER
When buying a new Archimedes we will
give you absolutely free:
The PC Emulator software. Printer lead and
Lockable 3.5" disc box with 10 discs all
worth over £100.
Not available on 0% finance
ARCHIMEDES 400 SERIES
02 63G Archimedes 440 Entry
0265G Archimedes 440 Colour
2643.85
2873.85
Beebug Mouse Mats
We are now able to offer high quality
Mouse Mats for your Archimedes.
0789B Beebug Mouse Mat (Blue)
0788B Beebug Mouse Mat (Red)
3.68
3.68
ARCHIMEDES SOFTWARE
1089CKermit
1080C Ansi C
1081C ISO Pascal
1082C Fortran 77
1083B Twin
1084C Logistix
1086C Prolog X
1087CLisp
0900B PC Software Emulator
1088Clst Word Plus
0901 C Archimedes Termulator
0902C ARM Assembler Package
0903B EMR Sound Synthesiser
0904B EMR Creations Disc
0906B Piped ream
56.35
53.53
113.85
108.16
113.85
108.16
113.85
108.16
33.35
31.68
113.85
108.16
228.85
217.41
228.85
217.41
113.85
108.16
91.94
87.34
79.35
75.38
228.85
217.41
49.95
47.45
19.95
18.95
) 69.00
65.55
113.85
108.16
5.25" DISC DRIVE INTERFACE
FOR THE ARCHIMEDES
Connect up to four external disc drives to
your Archimedes with our fully buffered
disc drive interface. It fits neatly to the
backplate of your machine and requires
NO SOLDERING.
Stock code 0795 C Members price £27.60
69.95
29.95
69.95
29.95
64.95
64.95
64.95
64.95
64.95
79.95
69.85
24.95
66.45
28.45
66.45
28.45
61.70
61.70
61.70
61.70
61.70
75.95
66.36
23.70
3.50
3.50
53.53
10.93
MINERVA
0931 B Sigmasheet
0920B Deltabase
0921B System Delta Plus
1233B Sys. Delta Plus Ref. Man.
0922B Order Processing 4
0923 B Sales Ledger 4
0924B Stock Manager 4
0925B Purchase Ledger 4
0926B Nominal Ledger 4
0927B School Administrator 4
0928B Video Rental 4
0929B Reporter 4
4 Requires System Delta Plus
OTHER HARDWARE
0805D CC ROM Podule 56.35
0806B Battery Backup for above 11.50
0803B Armadillo Sound Sampler 126.50 120.18
0825CIEEE488 Podule 326.50 310.17
0802CChromalock Podule 339.25 322.29
0808C Watford Video Digitiser 286.35 272.03
ARCHIMEDES LEADS
0558B SKART Lead
0425B Archimedes Printer Lead
0795C5.25" Disc Drive Interface
0796C Serial Link Kit & Disc
0797B Just Serial Link Cable
0826B Arch, to Magic Modem
0827B Arch, to Linnet Modem
ARCHIMEDES GAMES
1179B Zarch 19.95
1187B Conquerer 24.95
0930B Minotaur Game 14.95
0935B Dread Dragon Droom (ed.) 18.95
9.42
9.42
29.05
18.16
12.11
7.32
732
8.95
8.95
27.60
17.25
11.50
6.95
6.95
18.95
23.70
14.20
18.00
All Prices
Include VAT.
Carriage
Carriage is denoted by the letter contained in the stock code.
A-50p, B*£l, C-£2 , D-£3, E-£4, F-E5.50, G-£7. When ordering
several items, use the highest price code and half of each
subsequent code. For courier delivery U9e code G.
Credit Cards
Access and Visa orders are welcome, and may be
placed by letter or telephone (24 hours).
BEEBUG LTD,
Dolphin Place, Holywell Hill,
St.Albans, Herts., AL1 1EX.
■S* (0727)40303
Please telephone for a Free Information
pack and Archimedes brochure.
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Video guide
People writing interactive video
programs face a bewildering
choice of authoring programs.
These packages are designed to
make it posible for non-
programmers to write inter-
active courseware. But the
range is so wide that newcom-
ers may find the choice^of soft-
ware difficult.
To help them make a deci-
sion the National Interactive
Video Centre has published
Authoring Packages: A Com-
parative Report , covering eight
of the most popular packages
and includes a detailed evalua-
tion and comments from users.
Space age
Space Apprentice is the latest
educational simulation adven-
ture from Magnolia Soft. The
company took three years to
put it together after getting the
idea from a BBC Zigzag pro-
ject. Children and teachers
played a part in the develop-
ment of the program, and the
finished product is intended to
appeal to the 10-14 middle
school age range.
Teachers can customise up to
11 commands to adapt the
program to their own lessons.
Plenty of off-computer work is
included to encourage children
to solve problems rather than
simply treat the program as a
game. They should approach
the program as a group rather
than as individuals to gain the
fullest benefits.
The program costs £17.50 for
a 40-track disc containing the
BBC B version and an en-
hanced Master Version.
Teachers fear poor
technology image
Concern that computing and
information technology teach-
ers are being left out in the cold
has led to a new lobby group
being formed.
The Association of Comput-
ing and IT Teachers aims to
support high-quality teaching
and to promote understanding
of its value and relevance. Lon-
don computing inspector and
ACITT founder Bryan Weaver
explained: ‘Computing teachers
often began in a different sub-
ject and have only received a
small amount of in-service
training in computing. There is
a lot for them to learn.’
Other members of the asso-
ciation include teachers and au-
thority advisers. Its committee
includes representatives from
MUSE, the Computer Educa-
tion Group and the British
Computer Society’s schools
committee. Many are con-
cerned that computing and IT-
related studies are undervalued,
and that computing teachers are
often isolated within the school:
‘Often a computing teacher is
the only one in the school.
Where English teachers can dis-
cuss new developments and
problems together, the comput-
ing teacher cannot share diffi-
culties except in group meet-
ings arranged by the LEA.’
ACITT is being launched
with a conference at Digby
Stuart College in London from
July 15 to 17. It costs £75
including accommodation and
£55 without; both figures in-
clude the association’s £12
annual membership fee. Furth-
er details from Romford Edu-
cational Computing Centre on
(04023) 49115.
Questions the association
will tackle include whether
more resources should be de-
voted to training.
Look and learn
Report on IT
in curriculum
Two conferences this summer
aim to revitalise teachers’ in-
terest in computing. The first is
by MUSE, the Microcomputer
Users in Education group,
from July 25 to 27.
Lectures and workshops will
cover many topics, including
computerised administration.
Acorn will be attending to de-
monstrate the Econet system.
The second is the annual
conference of the British Logo
Users Group. Held at the Col-
lege of St Paul and St Mary in
Cheltenham from September 2
to 4, the conference costs £90
with accommodation or £35 for
Logo users get together
Saturday entry only. There are
reductions for group members.
All teachers, teacher trainers
and researchers with an interest
in computers and the Logo lan-
guage are welcome. This con-
ference also features an exhibi-
tion and workshops.
The Technology Education
Project, based at King’s Col-
lege, London, has issued its
first report. The project was
based on the urgent need to
develop a useful technology
syllabus to equip students for
modern society. It examined
ways in which the subject
could fit into the plannee
national core curriculum.
The report should be per-
cieved as useful by students anc
should form a coherent part o::
the curriculum. Copies from
the Centre for Educational Stu-
dies, 552 King’s Road, London
SW10.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
15
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Contacts
Atomwide Ltd, 23 The Green-
way, Orpington, Kent. Tel:
(0689) 38852.
British Logo User Group, PO
79, Walsall WS5 3RW.
Dabs Press, 76 Gardner Road,
Yestwich, Manchester M25
7HU. Tel: 061-773 2413.
Epson UK Limited, 388 High
Road, Wembley, Middlesex
HA9 6UH. Tel: 01-902 8892.
Ian Copcstake Software, 10
Frost Drive, Wirral,
Merseyside L61 4XL. Tel: 051-
648 6287.
Mclford Designs Ltd, 5 Buck-
nails Drive, Bricket Wood, St
Albans, Herts AL2 3XJ. Tel:
(0923) 672008.
Micronct, Telemap Ltd, Dur-
rant House, 8 Herbal Hill,
London EC1R 5ES. Tel: 01-
278 3143.
MUSE, PO Box 43, Houghton
on the Hill, Leicester LE7
9GX. Tel: (0533) 433839.
National Interactive Video
Centre, 24 Stephenson Way,
London NW1 2HD. Tel: 01-
387 2233.
Solinet, 13 St John Street,
Bridlington, East Yorkshire
Y016 5NL.
Tcchnomatic, 17 Burnley
Road, London NW10 1ED.
Tel: 01-208 1177.
Next
month
The graphics kernel system is a
graphics standard widely used
on powerful micros and mini-
computers. Guy Martin and
Gary Phillips show how
they've implemented GKS in
Basic on the Archimedes.
Alan Watkins describes his
experiences upgrading his 305
with extra RAM, a backplane
and a Winchester disc. Peter
Voke continues the adventure
theme, with a description of the
adventure generator used to
write Warlord and the text
compression scheme.
And Graham Bell shows you
how to use microspacing in
View on a dot-matrix printer.
BLUNDERB0X
There was an error in July's
Agora. A line was omitted de-
scribing Stuart Turgis's disc
compaction program. “ADPS
FreeSpace” actually returns
with register R0 containing the
amount of free space on the
disc and the size of the largest
single area of space in register
Rl. The two values are com-
pared and, when the same, the
disc has been compacted.
Compact prize
The winner of our April com-
petition, held in conjunction
with the British Trust for Con-
servation Volunteers, is Mrs M
Oldham of Rossendale, Lancs.
She wins an Acorn Master
Compact computer. Runners
up who each receive an Acorn
vase arc John Cooke of Stock-
port, Mrs PM Gilbert of Man-
chester, AJ Gibbons of Tor-
quay, CE Kerr of Littlehamp-
ton and Mrs E Nightingale of
St Mary, Jersey. Congratula-
tions to all the winners.
Mrs Oldham’s reward
New discs on order
Because our 3.5-inch discs have
proved so popular we are mak-
ing it easier for you to buy
them. Starting with this
month’s disc, featuring our
adventure, they will now be
available just like 5.25-inch
discs from the order form on
page 101; 3.5in disc subscrip-
tions will also be available,
starting from September’s issue.
However discs up to and in-
cluding July's should still be
ordered separately as before.
Write to Acorn User Monthly
Disc Offer, Redwood Pub-
lishing, 20-26 Brunswick Place,
London N1 6DJ, enclosing a
cheque for £7.95 made out to
Redwood Publishing.
Reporter wanted
Acorn User and Educational
Computing are looking for an
experienced journalist to write
news for both titles. Know-
ledge of computers less impor-
tant than editorial skills. Apply
with cv to Tony Quinn, Red-
wood Publishing, 20-26 Bruns-
wick Place, London N1 6DJ.
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
17
/ Computers and Upgrades
Archimedes 305
Archimedes 305 mono
Archimedes 305 col
Archimedes 310
Archimedes 310 mono
Archimedes 310 col
Archimedes 310m
Archimedes 310m mono
Archimedes 310m col
Archimedes 410
Archimedes 410 mono system
Archimedes 410 colour system
Archimedes 440
Archimedes 440 mono system
Archimedes 440 colour system
Archimedes podule backplane
Archimedes ROM podule
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Archimedes MIDI add-on to I/O podule
Archimedes MIDI Podule
Master 128
Master Compact
Master Turbo Upgrade
Master 512 Upgrade
Master 128 Eprom Cartridge
Master 128 Dust Cover
Compact RS 232 Interface
Compact TV Modulater
1770 Disc Interface
ADFS ROM (B+ or B with 1770)
B+ 64 64K Upgrade
Cambridge Computers Z88
Z88 PSU £8.65 (d) 128K RAM £43.00 (e)
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£184.00 (a)
£229.00 (a)
£379.00 (a)
£214.00 (a)
£260.00 (a)
C19 00(d)
£11 00 (c)
£1 2 00 (cl
£22 00 (b)
Acorn Soft
Micro Prolog
£50 00 Id)
ISO Pascal
£42 00 Idl
.ogo
£44 00 Id)
BCPL
f 390010
Forth Disc
£14.00 (e)
Comal
£32 00 Id)
Lisp
£33 00 (e)
Hi View
£37 00(d)
View professional
£75.00 (c)
View 3.0
£39 00(d)
Vewsheet
£37 00 Id)
Vew Store
£37 00 Id!
View Spell (80T oniyi
£29 00 Idl
View Plot
£21 00 le)
View Index
£10 00 lej
Overview
£69.00 (c)
View Printer Driver Gen
Tape £7 00 (el
Disc
£8 00 le)
Computer Concepts
Interword
£39 00(d)
inter Sheet
£39 00(d)
interchan
£26 00 (dl
interbase
£49.00 (d)
Mega 3
£75.00 (c)
‘Spellmaster
£42.00 (d)
Wordwtse
£30 00 Idl
Wordwise +
£37 00 id)
Mirrorsoft
Fleet Street Editor
£31 00 Id)
Fonts and Graph cs
£1175 le)
Clares
Fontwise +
£16 00(e)
Repl-ca ill
£11 00 lei
VINE MICRO REPLAY (State M C and Disc Interface)
C30 00 le)
NB It is essential to state machine and 40/80T
when ordering software
/ Books (No VAT on books)
Master Ref Manuals Ptl £14 00 (dl Pt 2 £14 00 (dl
Advanced Master ref Manual (Bray & Dickens) £19.95 (d)
Lisp £8.00 (e) Forth £8.00 (e) ISO Pascal £8.00 (e)
BCPL £14 00(d) V-ew Guide £6 00 le) Into View £6 00(e)
View 3 £9 00(e) V.ew Sheet £9 00 (el V^w Store £9 00(e)
lArchimedes Ref manual £29.95 (d) !
Arm assembly language manual £12.95 (e)
Mastering View ViewSheet and ViewStore £12.95 (e)
Understanding Inter Word £6.50 (e)
View - A Dabhand Guide £12.95 (e) Z88 Computing £9.95 (e)
/ Fanfold Paper and Labels
2000 x 1 Part 60gm 11x9 5" Micro Perf £1 2.00 (c)
1000 x 1 Part 85gm 11x95" Micro Perf £9.00 (c)
1000 x 1 Part 90gm "Perfect" A4 Micro Perf £12.00 (b)
1000 89mm x 36mm Labels £4 00 Id)
1 000 89mm x 49mm Labels £6 00 (d)
1 000 1 02mm x 36mm Labels £5 00 (d)
Please state Single or Twin Row when ordering labels
18
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
THE IMPACT
GAMES CLUB;
ARCHIMEDES
GAMES
Terramex (Bug-Byte)
£15.95
Missile Control (Minerva)
£11.95
Hoverbod (Minerva)
£11.95
Conqueror (Superior)
£19.95
Zarch (Superior)
£15.95
Minotaur (Minerva)
£11.95
| Terramex, from Bugbyte, is a classic conversion |
from the Atari ST and Amiga.
| Missile Control is about as close to the original |
arcade version you can get.
| Hoverbod is an arcade adventure with devious |
| puzzles and excellent graphics.
1
OUR GUARANTEE
1. Over 200 titles always in stock.
2. Over 98% of all orders are sent out on the day they are received by 1 st Class Post.
3. We immediately replace any faulty games purchased from us.
4. Prices are fully inclusive • nothing else to pay.
Plus we’ll send you a free copy of our comprehensive club magazine featuring over 200 games,
reviews, 1/2 price offers, compilation titles breakdown, competitions and the latest up-to-the-
minute news.
FREE HELPSHEETS/MAPS
Spend over £4 on games and you may choose any ONE of the following helpsheets/solutions
and maps absolutely FREE:- Spend over £10 and you may choose any TWO FREE:-
Spycal
Plan B2
Quest
Ravenskull
Citadel
PtanB
Spy Vs Spy
Spesbmder
Elixir
Papciboy
Twin Kingdom VaBey
Omega OrO
McK Hanson
Tar/an
Stranded
(Helpsheet ♦ map)
(Solution ♦ map)
(Helpsheet ♦ map)
(Solution ♦ 4 maps)
(Soluton ♦ map)
(Solution . map)
(Helpsheet)
(Soluton . map)
(Solution ♦ map)
(He^shoet)
..(Solution *map)
(Helpsheet ♦ map)
(Solution)
(Soluton « map)
(Solution)
Codename Dred
Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck 2
The Lost Crystal
Last ol The Free
Kourtyard
G-sburnes Castle
Palace ol Mage
Impact
Icarus
Sph.nx Adventure
Rick Hanson ?
Philosophers Quest
(lepton ?
(Solution ♦ map)
(Soluton ♦ tnap)
(Soluton ♦ map)
(Soluton)
(Solution * map)
(He^sheets • maps)
(Soluton ♦ map)
(Soluton ♦ map)
(He^sheets • passwords)
(He^pshoets * maps)
(Soluton)
(Solution)
' (Soluton ♦ map)
(Helpsheet ♦ map)
SHARK (ASL)
You are a lone fighter in this very good arcade
adventure. There are 3 levels - the jungle, an oil
refinery and a derelict town. Untold aliens will
attack you in this game - it’s similar to
Ghosts 'n' Goblins. Don! miss itl
BBC/Electron Cassette £7.50
BBC 5 1/4- Disc £9.50
Another very good game from ASL It is similar
to Solomon's Key and features 100 different
screens.
Set in a world of fire and mystery you must
strive for your freedom. Highly recommended.
BBC/Electron Cassette £7.50
BBC 5 1/4“ Disc £9.50
ortlwrTrDfl IK
C«u*t. 5V.' Ob*
or (Iwctron I 5**01*
Cowfli |
BUDGET CASSETTES
BBC B or Electron
*= Electron disc
available
M = Master compatible
SUPERIOR
Repton Thru Time M
5.50
6.35
7.50
Barbarian M
7.50
9.50
11.95
Spycat M
7.50
9.50
11.95
Quest M
7.50
9.50
11.95
Play It Again Sam 2 M
7.50
9.50
11.95
Bonecruncher M
7.50
9.50 *
11.95
SpelbirxJer M
7.50
9 50*
11.95
Play It Again Sam M
7.50
9.50 “
11.95*
The Life of Repton M
5.50
6.35 *
7.50
Elixir M
7.50
9.50*
11.95*
Palace of Magic M
7.50
9.50*
11.95 *
Repton Around the World M
5.50
6.35
7.50
Crazee Rider M
7.50
9.50
11.95*
Codename: Droid (Stryker’s 2) M
Grand Prix Cons. Set M (BBC Only)
7.50
9.50
11.95*
7.50
9.50
11.95
Repton 3 M
7.50
9.50
11.95
Revs & 4 Tracks (BBC Only) M
10.35
11.95
1595
Elite M
10.35
11.95
15.95
Acorn Hits Vol 1 or 2 M
3.99
9.50
11 95
Sup. Coll.1 or 2 (BBC Only)M
Superior Coll. 3 (Elec Only)
7.50
7.50
950
9.50
11.95
11.95“
Speech (BBC Only) M
7.50
950
11.95
Citadel M
7.50
9.50
11.95
Ravenskull M
7.50
950
11.95
Thrust M
3.99
9.50
11.95
Galalorce M
7.50
9.50
11.95
TYNESOFT
Saigon M
7.50
11.95
11.95
Winter Olympiad ’88 M
7.50
11.95
11.95
Spy vs Spy M
The Big k6m
7.50
6.35
11 95
10.35
11.95
10.35
BoukJerdash M
7.50
11.95
11.95
Indoor Sports M
7.50
11.95
11.95
Phantom M
635
10 35
1035
Oxbridge M
6.35
Commonwealth Games M
6.35
1035
1035
Future Shock M
7.50
11.95
11.95
Microvalue [4 games) |
3.99
Microvalue 2 (4 games) | Elec
399
Microvalue 3 (4 games) [Only
3.99
Two Classic Games }
3.99
M = Master compatible
ACORNSOFT
Aviator (BBC Only)
Revs & Revs 4 Tracks (BBC Only)
ASL
Shark M
Breakthrough M
Impact M
Powerpack 1 (7 games) I Elec
Powerpack 2 (7 games) } Only
ZiggyM
Ransack M
Despatch Rider M
Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck 2 M
Sphere ol Destiny M
Omega Orb M
Graham Gooch Test Cricket M
OOP entrr
Bismark (BBC Only) M
Black Queen (BBC Only) M
White Knight Mkl 2 (BBC Only) M
BEAU JOLLY
Five Star Games 1 (5 games)
Five Star Games 2 (5 games)
Five Star Games 3 (7 games)
Computer Hits 3 (10 games)
Computer Hits 4 (12 games)
Computer Hits 5 (5 games)
BUGBYTE
Bugbyte Comp. 1 (4 games) M
Bugbyte Comp. 2 (4 games)
Dunjunz M
CDS
Colossus Bridge (BBC Only) M
Colossus Chess (BBC Only) M
Sieve Davis Snooker M
Brian Clough Football M
DOMARK
Not a Penny More (BBC Only) M
Star Wars M
Living Daylights (BBC Only)
Trivial Pursuits (All BBC Only)
Genus Edition M
Young Players M
BabyBoomer M
EUTE
Pape »boy
FIREBIRD
Sentinel (BBC Only) M
Cholo (BBC Only) M
495
299
7.50
750
7.50
750
750
6.95
7.50
7.50
299
6.35
6.35
635
7.50
495
495
7.50
4 95
7.50
4.95
299
9.50
7.50
1 99
7.50
11.95
7.50
7.50
11.95
11.95
11.95
750
7.50
4 99
9.50
950
9.50
875
9.50
950
950
9.50
9 50
950
11.95
11.95
11.95
4.99
4.99
499
11.95
11.95
4.50
9.95
15.95
1035
1035
15.95
15.95
15 95
11 95
11.95
14.35
M = Master compatible
GODAX
Cyboio M
Skirmish M
Kourtyard M
GREMLIN GRAPHICS
Krakoul (BBC Only)
Footballer of the Year
HEWSON
Evening Star M
Undium (BBC Only) M
INFOGRAMME
Apocalypse (BBC Only)
LOGOTRON
XORM
L0SURE GENIUS
Scrabble (BBC Only)
Monopoly (BBC Only)
MICROPOWER
Imogen
(State'40 or 80 track disc)M
MANDARIN
Icarus M
Time and Magic (BBC B+ and
Master Computers only 80T)M
MARTECH
War (BBC Only)
MIRRORSOFT
Tetris M
Spitfire ’40 M
Strike Force Harrier
ROBICO
Village Of Lost Souls
TOPOLOGIKA
(Text Adventures 5 1/4“
state 40 or 80 tracks)
Return to Doom
Kingdom of Hamil
Countdown to Doom
Acheton
Philosopher's Quest
7.50
495
7.50
7.50
7.50
7.50
7.50
7.50
7.50
10.35
10.35
5.95
7.50
6.95
7.50
7.50
7.50
9.50
5 95
950
11.95
11.95
11 95
11.95
10.35
11.95
11.95
7.50
950
11.95
3.99
10.35
10 35
10.35
10.35
10.35
7.95
7.95
7.95
7.95
ACORNSOFT
M.>g< Mushrooms
Su nr* Co'rruryJ <H*e 0*0
foe tat IAumo*
ALTERNATIVE SOFTWARE
P*|C4J»4
Corr.twt Lrn*
fWC A-ieas (BBC O oV(
Oxry Emm
FU ire Road*
Ovirptt SpwttcuUr
Socotr Boss
Looxx (Elec Orly)
Vdeo
DtJ«o» At«
Mx*. Otu (esc Cwy]
Catew
Trow OoeAen 1 to <0 (MCh)
Axmonei
UnttfuK
ATLANTIS
Ana*ch» Zor*
Pro Col
league Oal'ange
SuTV'Wrs
Copt and Rcooeri
C/rroy Cat*
p*-*
BLUE RIBBON
Sw«* 0a»!S Sw<!
JODofy
Return olW
Bar Boards
Mongo
Trapccr
V deo Card Ar:aoe
Ng-rrare Mare
Ravage
Din*
Go*
KanW
Pan B
Kinky Dory
Uranian*
T»n Kingdom Valley
Mvgj’Or.t |B8C Only)
Tenni*
Otk«
fc# Hotkey
S’a'ko'ca 7
[ y.'p'i
DOC TOR SOFT
Prarrom Corr*al
fIRf BIRD
Tre Hacker
Star Dr.hw
RCOCHEI
Way ol Pe tiptoe eg Fat
G *tiumet Cas**
Bran Jack* Super C-a r-ge
Gec*t Case* $?»-gman
Gatactc Patter
Kara
Vaga* Jackpot
Atwc(BBCOnV)
Edc«i Kidd Jump Cha eng*
SUPERIOR
Region
Re son J
Deanvar
Tempest
Kara# Cerbu
Thru*)
SUPIRSOFT
Sryi
TOP TEN
Warehouse
Peter Soot Tr togy iBBC O-ty)
Gnd Iron
HOW TO ORDER
Simply fill in this coupon and send with a cheque or
a postal order to Impact Posters.
• All games despatched by 1st class post
• FREE postage and packing (Overseas add £1)
• Despatch normally same dayas order (over 98%)
To: Impact Posters, Neepsend House, 1 Percy St., Sheffield, S3 8AU
| Please send me the following games:
TITLE
FORMAT
(Cassette etc.)
COMPUTER
PRICE
(BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE)
Name
Address
Postcode
poitert*
Impact Posters
Neepsend House
1 Percy St.
Sheffield S3 8AU
Tel. (0742) 769950
I enclose a cheque P/O (made payable to Impact Posters) lor £
Please send me FREE helpsheets/solutions/maps
for the following games (from those above)
1 (Orders over £4)
2 (Orders over £10)
TELETEXT ADAPTER
Would you like access to free high quality software
and over a thousand pages of information, but
Prestel access charges and phone bills too
expensive? Then read on!
The answer is Teletext. Yes the same system
everyone has seen incorporated into television sets,
but with a difference. When Teletext is read by a
computer you can actually use the data.
The MORLEY TELETEXT ADAPTER introduces you
to the world of Teletext at a price that won’t break the
bank. Inside it you will find the latest in second
generation Teletext chip technology, which unlike our
rivals who are still using chips designed more than
ten years ago, will be fully compatible with any future
advances in the Teletext system.
With the Morley adapter you will get a state of the art
unit that automatically tunes itself into the required
station (no more messing around with screwdrivers
or twiddling little knobs in the back of the case), a
user friendly menu driven program, easy to follow
instructions and a 12 month warranty. Add to this the
free downloadable telesoftware and we are sure that
you will agree that we are offering you one of the
best bargains on the market today.
FEATURES:
* Advanced design uses the latest technology, will
handle ANY future enhancements to the Teletext
system e.g.: full field; 8 bit data transfer; 2k pages
etc.
* Simply plugs into the user port.
* Low power consumption, less than 200ma.
Optional power supply available.
* User friendly menu driven software including
extended OSCLI and OSWord commands for access
from BASIC programs.
* Supplied with 16k ATS (Advanced Teletext
Software) and 16k support ROM software inc. printer
dumps, page
spoolers etc.
* FREE Telesoftware, no access charges (updated
weekly).
* Save selected pages to disc/tape for later retrieval.
* Full access to all Teletext services and channels
e.g.: CEEFAX, ORACLE, 4-TEL.
* Gives you a real-time clock at your disposal
(•TIME).
* Software upgrades to allow for any enhancements
to the Teletext service, e.g.: extra channels, full field
data on cable & satellite systems etc. (only the media
charge).
* Easy to follow comprehensive user guides.
‘ No hardware limitations, it can for example receive
virtually unlimited numbers of channels.
* Utils disc available including printer drivers allows
pages to be selected and dumped direct to a printer
(no more TV or Radio Times to buy).
WHATTHE REVIEWERS SAID:
**. . .In terms of price, performance, future expansion
possibilities and those little touches that show
thought for the end user I would recommend the
Morley unit ."-(Acorn User, January, 1986).
• -The Morley unit has been designed to ensure
that its operation is simple and smooth. It is the ideal
Teletext adapter for school use. m -(A&B Computing,
June, 1986).
• -Using it over a number of months in different
schools, it has proved utterly reliable, and may
confidently be recommended. H -^T/?e Times
Educational Supplement, September, 1986)
THIS ISTHE BIGGEST SELLINGTELETEXT
ADAPTER CURRENTLYIN PRODUCTION
WORLDWIDE, AND COMES WITH A FULL
MONEY BACK SATISFACTION GUARANTEE.
Now available!
The first true
MEGA capacity
RAMdisc for the
BBC, BBC B+
and MASTER
computers.
This fully
compatible unit,
currently
available in
... either 1 or 2
megabyte versions comes complete with operating software on ROM, power
supply, and a comprehensive user guide.
FEATURES:
One megabyte of RAM connected to the ImHz bus. Used with the supplied ROM
software programs and files may be saved and loaded from the RAMdisc in the
same manner as from a floppy disc with a large increase of speed, for example, a
20k mode 0 screen takes about 3-4 seconds to load from disc and about 0 2-0 3
seconds to load from the RAMdisc. The RAMdisc ROM operates as a utility ROM
RAMDISC
working with the current filing system rather than as a separate filing system.
Therefore ensures compatibility with any Acorn compatible DFS (not ADFS). The
RAMdisc can be selected by a * command to take the place of any drive number
from 0 to 9. If the RAMdisc replaces a floppy drive as 0 for example, all
commands addressed to drive 0 will be intercepted by the RAMdisc.' The default
driye number is 4. Any ’Dangerous’ ‘commands such as ‘COMPACT, ‘COPY,
‘BACKUP etc can be intercepted and the BBC’s RAM from page 2 to &7FFF
saved to RAMdisc workspace, and may be recovered using a ‘command. This
prevents accidental corruption of any programs/data in RAM you may have been
using at the time. The filing system wedge ROM supplied supports load/save,
byte file access, all relevant OSFSC commands, and contains a formatter verifier
and 'sector' editor for use with the RAMdisc. Catalogue structure allows uo to
2,688 files.
Well that's the spec., add to this our usual 12 month no quibble guarantee and
we’re sure you'll agree the Morley RAMdisc is the sensible alternative if increased
storage capacity and speed is your requirement.
EPROM
PROGRAMMER V2
The MORLEY EPROM PROGRAM-
MER V2 is a small self contained
unit that plugs into the BBC or
MASTER user port. It comes with a
high quality ZIF (zero insertion force
socket) and contrasting plastic case.
Also included in the package is it's
own user friendly menu driven
software on ROM or disc.
This state of the art unit, allows
programming of 2764 (8k), 27128
(16k), and 27256 (32k) EPROMS.
Not only does the hardware allow
programming of the usual NMOS devices, but will handle the new generation
CMOS equally as well, and with the average time taken to program a 16k at less
than 30 seconds we believe it to be one of the fastest programmers
available today.
THEHARDWARE
The Unit is completely under software control, there are no knobs or switches to
baffle the novice, and the extended features provided should excite the pro’s
THE SOFTWARE
The comprehensive user friendly software included in the package has two main
parts, the first allows EPROMS to be read, programmed, verified and edited, also
allowing a ROM image to be loaded or saved to disc. The second is a full ROM
management system in its own right, which has a host of useful features and
routines, such as KILL and RESURRECT ROM to disable or enable a sideways
ROM, dump ROM image to buffer or disc, move ROM image in buffer to sideways
RAM, and VIEW-SEARCH any sideways ROM.
The whole system is available now for less than the price of one WORDWISE
chip. So get yourself the all new MORLEY EPROM PROGRAMMER V2 today
and start using those expansion boards for what they were made for! ROMS.
Immediate delivery no quibble 12 month guarantee.
MASTER CARTRIDGE
Designed and manufactured by Care Electronics to Acorn specifications.
These high quality Master expansion cartridges will take two 16k sideways
ROM's, and will, unlike similar cartridges available from other manufacturers,
accept the new second generation programs, such as Computer Concepts
Interword and Spellmaster ROM’s.
These Cartridges come in a high quality, robust, formed-plastic case, that fits
neatlv into either one of the Master's cartridge slots.
QUADS also available quad cartridges specifications as duels but
taking 4x1 6k roms.
MASTER SMART
CARTRIDGE
This device was designed and manufactured jointly by Morley and Care
Electronics.
The Smart cartridge will at the press of a button halt any program running in
memory and execute any one of a host of useful built in, or user defined
procedures, and once completed will return to the program and continue where it
left off. The only limiting factor with this device is the programmers imagination.
The Smart cartridge will prive useful to the novice, allowing him to do the simple
things like dump any screen to printer, and make backups of protected tape or
disc based software, but has an open ended specification for the advanced
’HACKER’ allowing advanced programming techniques to be incorporated into
almost any program at the touch of a button.
BUILT IN FEATURES (at the press of a button)
Autosaves computer's entire memory.
Freeze program at any point.
Screen dump (any mode) to printer or disc.
Allows any OSCLI command without disturbing memory.
Copies 90% of protected software.
Tape to disc, disc to tape.
User friendly menu.
Sound On/Off. ALL CARTRIDGES COME WITH A
12 MONTH NO QUIBBLE WARRANTY
MORLEY MASTER
BOARD 'AA'
At long last the add-on all MASTER users have been
waiting for, an internal ROM board.
No more need to turn the computer off to insert the
cartridge containing the ROM you need to debug the
program in memory.
ThenewMORLEY MASTER BOARD "AA" allows
you to have up to 8x1 6k and 4x32k extra Roms
installed inside your MASTER and still leaves the
cartridge slots free. This in effect allows your MASTER
to support as many as 24, 16k ROMs installed
permanently, whilst retaining the standard 4 x
sideways ram banks and four banks by using car-
tridges
A staggering 32 ROM images installed and
accessible at any time
B.fflffl
I
m
mu-
fli M HLHLH H
MfiRlEy
EL E CT R O N I C S
■US**'
Included in the package is a utility ROM which has many useful features such as ’FICOPY’, a clever file transfer program that transfers files
between DFS and ADFS formats or vice versa.
So for less than the price of four external cartridges you get a MASTER BOARD "AA" which with twice the capacity has got to be THE ROM
expansion for the serious MASTER user.
The unit comes with the usual Morley, full no-quibble twelve months warranty, and our usual after sales service
THECOMPLETERANGEOFTELETEXT
SOFTWARE from M/B SOFTWARE
• NEW . . . DESIGN 7 PLUS - now ’the best’ is even better. Held in high regard by reviewers and hundreds of satisfied owners, DESIGN 7 has
been further improved, with revised keystrip & even more features. Design/load/save and MODE 7 screen with ease, up to full CEEFAX/Oracle
standard. Will convert ANY MODE 7 screen to a BASIC procedure, for inclusion in your own programs. ROM version includes a file copier, printer
dumps useable from BASIC etc. B/MASTER/COMPACT.
TELETEXT EMULATORS/SCREEN DISPLAYS/INFORMATION SYSTEMS - A complete range of teletext programs to cater for all
needs, with full teletext adapter interfacing.
‘NEW . . . DESFAX - totally new version - streets ahead of the competition - run your own information/display system. Stores hundreds of
screens on dual 80 track drives (96 screens on single-sided 40 track), with access to any screen with a SINGLE KEYPRESS. Lots of special
effects - screens can scroll, slide, overwrite etc. Animation, loops, subroutines - send for details - not enough space here to even begin to
describe the advanced features!! B/MASTER/COMPACT
‘NEW . . . MASTERFAX - 84 MODE 7 screens in memory at once. 1 48 screens possible with cartridge RAM. An advanced teletext/carousel
program featuring SINGLE KEYPRESS or 3-digit page selection Runs entirely from memory - no disc accesses after pages are loaded Superb
animation and other effects. MASTER/COMPACT only.
•NE W-
VU-FAX - 1000 screens and no disc accesses! Screens stored on MORLEY 1 MByte RAM DISC. SINGLE KEYPRESS gives instant
access to any screen (or emulate teletext). This is the ultimate MODE 7 screen management system - there is nothing else like it. MODEL B/
MASTER 128.
‘ALSO . . . MASTERCOPV - DFS/DFS, DFS/ADFS, ADFS/DFS, ADFS/ADFS file copier. Uses the MASTER 1 28’s memory to the full to permit
fast disc copying. 31 DFS files to ADFS disc in less than 2 minutes. Creates directories automatically. You will wonder how you ever managed
without this program. Described by reviewers as ’unexcelled'. MASTER 128 and COMPACT’S fitted with DFS ROMS.
ORDERFORM
To order simply complete and return by post enclosing your Morley Electronics, Unit 3 Maurice Road Industrial Estate, Wallsend, Tyne
cheque/P. O.madepayableto Morley Electronics, or by phone & Wear NE28 6BY Telephone Tyneside (091) 2627507
duringofficehours, quoting your ACCESS or VISA number. Telex: 265871 A/B MONREF G (Quoting Mag 70211)
ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT@ 15%
P&P Rate
P&P Rate
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
_ Morley Teletext Adapters 1 19.83
_ Optional Power Supply 10.12
_Teletext Utilities on disc 5.98
_ 1 Megabyte RAMdisc 199.87
_2 Megabyte RAMisc 349.60
_Eprom programmer V 2 34.50
_ Master ROM boards "AA" 46.00
_ Master Quad Cartridge 14.95
_Care Master ROM cartridges 8.97
_ Master Smart cartridge 39.79
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(a)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty
Qty.
M/B Software Design 7+ 9.89
M/B Software Desfax 20.01
_M/B Software DesROM 12.88
M/B Software Mastercopy Disc 12.88
M/B Software Mastercopy ROM 14.95
_M/B Software Masterfax 29.90
M/B Software VU-Fax System inc RAMdisc 249.78
5.25" Floppy discs x 10 8.05
27128 16k CMOS EPROM 4.83
Info Pack + Demo Disc of all Software FREE
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(a)
(c)
(c)
(C)
Please delete
Name
Adapter software on ROM/Sideways RAM form at/Software on 40/80 trackdisc
Phone no.
Note Teletext Adaptors for Master Compact 138.00 (a)
Address
VISA
Post Code
Cheque No_
Access/Visa No
Amount £
Please add Postage and Packing @ a=£3.00 b=£2.00 c=£1.00 d=£0.65 (when ordering more than one item, add P&P. on highest rate item only)
GOVERNMENT, LOCAL AUTHORITY, AND TRADE ORDERS WELCOME. Please allow 28 days for delivery
GS FROM Tl
i?n ; 7 ^ rrTirT"rr , - i T"! ; •^n^ n ri fl r
Mm
THREE GOOD REASONS
BUY THE NEC P2200 PRINTER
FROM TWILLSTAR
BUY ONE
PRINTER
PRINTER
PRINTER
CABLE
STAND
PAPER
OFFICIAL NEC UK PRODUCTS
WHY SPEND MORE FOR PROFESSIONAL RESULTS?
Never before has a 24-pin dot-matrix printer in this price range combined such impeccable print quality with such practical, efficient
flexibility. NEC's Pinwriter P2200 gives you the vital edge that will turn your printouts into the most impressive documents ever.
The P2200 delivers letter-perfect print, in several sizes, at 56 characters per seconds (cps). Or switches to draft mode for high-volume
outputs at 1 68 cps. And it gives you a vast selection of typeface options and superb graphic capabilities.
P2200's excellence is revealed in one detail after another. Like the built-in tractor that permits push or pull feeding of continuous forms -
with a tear bar for quick easy removal of receipts, packing slips, or other demand documents. And the front feed function that lets you
insert cut sheets or continuous forms into the front of the printer.
When you get right down to it, comparing performance against cost, Pinwriter P2200 is the most impressive printer in its class. The printer
that offers executive-class printouts at budget prices. Like we said earlier, why spend more for professional results ?
SPECIFICATIONS
Print Rate
• High-speed draft: 168 cps
• Standard draft: I40cps
• Letter quality: 56 cps
Character sets
• ASCII standard
• IBM graphic
• Italic
• 96 user-defined characters
• 1 3 language character sets
OPTIONS AND SUPPLIES
Paper Handling Devicer
• Sheet Feeder
Interface Board
• Serial Interface Board
Printhead
• Impact. 24-pin dot matrix
• 0.2mm diameter
• 2x12 staggered array
INCLUDES
FREE PRINTER CABLE
(for BBC, Master, Archmides, Electron,
IBM Compatible Please specify)
FREE PRINTER STAND
FREE 200 SHEETS PAPER
Exclusive of VAT
Interface
• Industry-standard parallel
• RS-232C (optional)
Font Cartridges
• Letter Gothic 1 5
• Letter Gothic 1 2
• Bold Italic PS
• Courier 15
• Prestige Elite 1 2
• Prestige Pica ! 0
• Courier Light 10
• Courier Light 12
• OCR-A
• Prestige Elite 1 2 WP
• OCR-A/Bar Code 39
• Helvette 1 0 PT.
Input Buffer
• 8K standard
Vertical Line Spacing
• 6 or 8 lines per inch (Ipi)
• Programmable up to n/360 Ipi
Graphic Resolution
• Up to 360 x 360 dpi
Resident Type Fonts and Variations
• Draft Gothic: 10. 12, 15. 17. and 20
pitches
• LQ Courier: 10. 12. 15. 17. and 20
pitches
• LQ Bold Proportional Spacing : plus con-
densed
• LQ Super Focus: 10 and 17 pitches
• LQ OCR-B: 10 and 17 pitches
• LQ ITC Souvenir: 10 and 17 pitches
• Italicization, emphasis, and enhance-
ment electronically possible for all the
above
• True superscript/subscript
Copy Printing Capacity
• Original and two copies with copy
control lever
Paper Width/Weight
• 5 top 10 inches/ 12 to 22 lbs.
• 6.5 to 8.5 inches with sheet feeder
Ribbon
• Black Fabric
SHEET FEEDER
£ 59.00
RIBBON £ 5.50
Dimensions (W x H x D)
• 390mm( 1 5.4"x 1 40mm(5.5")x280mm
(II 0 ")
raaiiauMiMiii
HO W TO ORDER
You can purchase any of the items above. All you have to do is write
your requirements on a sheet of paper, and we will despatch your goods
within ?A hours, subject to availability.
Please add £ 8.00 for Postage and Packing. (UK Mainland only /
All prices exclude VAT. Please add 15% VAT to all orders.
Please make cheques payable to: TWILLSTAR COMPUTERS LTD.
AccessA/isa Card Holders: Welcome.
VISIT OUR CO MPU STORE OPEN 9am - 6pm Monday to Saturday
Prices correct at time of going to press but subject to change without notice.
. APEX HOUSE
/ BLANDFORD ROAD
NORWOOD GREEN
SOUTHALL
MIDD UB2 4HD
® 01-574 5271 or
S 01-571 5938
Telex : 25247 Telex G.attn TIL
Fax: 01-574 4326
t
■SMsMa
FlFI
EPROMS,
8271
Exc VAT Inc VAT
1-9 27128 250nS 21V
3.57
4.10
10* 27128 250nS 21V
3.26
3.75
1-9 27128 250nS 12.5 V
3.04
3.50
10 ♦ 27128 250nS 12.5V
2.75
3.16
1-9 2764 250nS
2.60
2.99
10 + 2764 250nS
2.39
2.75
1-9 27256 250nS
422
4.85
10+ 27256 250nS
383
4.40
1-9 TTUCmos sot
3.91
4.50
1-9 8271 controller
39.13
45 00
1-9 6264 LP 150nS
5.00
5.75
Acorn 8271 DFS
.43 48
50 00
5V 4 DISC DRIVES
Ex VAT
Inc VAT
Cumana CSX 100
91.30
105.00
Curnana CSX40O
124.35
143.00
Cumana CD800S
299.00
MD400A 400k No PSU
88.70
102 00
MD400B 400k A PSU
103 48
119 00
MD802C 800k No PSU
173.91
200 00
MD802E 800k & PSU
191 30
220 00
MD802O 800k ♦ Stand
21652
249.00
Phone lor Viglen & Torch Winchesters
MONITORS
Ex VAT Inc VAT
Philips CM8852
251.30
289 00
PhHips BM7S02 Green
65.22
75 00
Philips TV Tuner
56.52
65 00
TaxanKX P31 Green
68 70
79 00
TaxanKX 1 202 Green
73.91
85.00
TaxanKX Ambor
6870
79 00
Microvitoc 1451
221.74
255.00
Microvltoc 1451 Ap
. 260.00
299 00
(Prices Inc BBC Cable)
PHILIPS CM8833
with BBC cable
£249.00 (£216.52 + VAT)
ROMS
Inter-Word
Inter-Shoot
Inter-Baso
Wordwiso Plus .
MEGA 3
Spell Mastor
View Spell
View 3 ROM
View 2.1
View Storo
Overview 181 1
View Professional...
Exc VAT
37 39
3652
4870
37 39
7130
40 87
27 83
55 65
38 26
38 26
68 70
68 70
Inc VAT
43 00
42 00
56 00
43.00
82 00
47 00
32 00
64 00
44 00
44 00
79 00
79 00
DISKETTES
(lifetime warranty)
Exc VAT Inc VAT
10 Banana Rovorsible disks . 8 65 9 95
10 3.5 O S tpi 9 90 11 00
10 96 tpi D S D O ♦ case 13 90 15 99
10 96tpi D/S D-Ot case 7 39 8 50
10 96tpi D/S DO in box 6 52 7 50
50 96 tpi D S D O m boxes 21 70 24 95
100 96tp< D S D O in boxos 39 19 45 00
50 Disc Box hinge lock 6 52 7.50
100 Disc Box hlngo lock 7 83 9 00
Black Library caso 1.21 1.39
MASTER/COMPACT
Ex VAT Inc VAT
Mastor 128K Micro 346 96 399 00
Archimedes 305 from 699 00 803 35
512 Co-processor 185 00 212 75
Turbo Upgrado 98 78 113 50
Acorn Z80 2nd pro 31 7.39 365 00
Acorn Cartridges 10.87 12 50
Peartreo Carlrklgos from 8 65 9.95
Care Cartridges trom 7 65 8 80
View 3/Vlew Sheet guides 9 00 9 00
ARM Assembler book 12.00 12 00
Understanding Interword 6.50 6 50
Referenco Manuals 14.00 14 00
Mastor & BBC Dusl Covers 300 3 45
Monochromo Compact 360.87 415 00
Second user BBC Bs available 216.52
Philips CM8833 with BBC cable 249.00
PANASONIC KXP 1081
with BBC cable & paper
£159.00 (£138.26 + VAT)
Above with Screen Dump & 2m cable
£165.00 (£143.48 + VAT)
Exc VAT Inc VAT
KXP 1080 Fabric ink ribbon 4.26 4.90
KXP 1080 View Printer driver ...7.83 9.00
KXP 1080 Control Dump rom 13.00 14.95
PANASONIC KXP1082
(as 1081 but 160cps)
with BBC cable & paper
£189.00 (E164.35+VAT)
VOLTMACE JOYSTICKS
Exc VAT Inc VAT
Delta 1 4B single 1 1 .26 1 2.95
Delta 3B single 9.52 10.95
Delta 3B twin 15.61 17.95
CANON PW1080A
with BBC cable & paper
KAGA/TAXAN KP815
with BBC cable & paper
£179.00 (£155.65 + VAT)
STAR LC10 COLOUR
with BBC cable & paper
£229.00 (£199.1 3+ VAT)
STAR LC10
with BBC cable & paper
£199.00 (£173.04+ VAT)
CITIZEN 120D & LSP10
with BBC cable & paper
£159.00 (£138.26+ VAT)
EPSON LX800
with BBC cable & paper
£229.00 (£199.1 3+ VAT)
JUKI 6100
with BBC cable & paper
£299.00 (£260.00+ VAT)
MP165
with BBC cable & paper
£195.00 (£169.57 + VAT)
Amstrad LQ3500 (24)
with BBC cable & paper
£299.00 (£260.00+ VAT)
MP (480 cps)
with BBC cable & paper
£299.00 (£260.00 + VAT)
PRINTER ADD ONS
LX800 Shoot Feeder
LX/FX800 Print Ribbon. ..
Ex VAT
62.61
3.00
Inc VAT
72.00
3.45
LC- 10 Shoot Feodor
NL- 10 Print Ribbon
56.52
.. . . 4 80
65 00
552
53 00
NL-10 Sheet Feeder
47 83
1200 Phnl Ribbon
4 00
400
KP PW Print Ribbon
339
390
Printer Dust Cover
4 80
PRINTERS/CABLES
Ex VAT Inc VAT
Panasonic KXP3131 Daisy 233.91 299.00
Kaga/Taxan KP910/15 350.00 402.00
1.5m (4 foot) BBC cable 5.70 C.50
2.0m (6 foot) BBC cable 7.74 6.90
Compact printer cable 7.74 8.90
IBM/Archimedes cable 7.74 8.90
Phone for our beat price before placing your order
EDUCATIONAL & GOVERNMENT ORDERS WELCOME
All products have a 12 month no quibble guarantee
Prices subject to variation without prior notification
We are closed some Saturday afternoons
Carriage 92pJ80p + VAT) Securicor £6.90 (£6.00 + VAT)
Acorn Dept.
UleSeruB
Larger items
delivered
by Securicor
1 28 West Street,
Portchester,
Hants.
POI 6 9XE.
Tel: 0705 325354
Menu Root
From the beginning of time
man has expressed himself
through his designs
NOW
The Oak fully interactive
PARAMETRIC DESIGN TOOL
allows man to express
himself more easily
PDT is a 2D CAD system
which incorporates the
following features;
★ The system is fully
parametric 2D CAD
★ Easy to use
★ Menus always visible
★ On line help
★ Parametric editing
★ Automatic associative
dimensioning
★ Zoom & Pan to 0.2
nanometres
★ Grid scaling
★ Computerised simulation
★ "What if" Experiments
★ Text may be entered at
any angle
★ Sixteen drawing layers
★ User configurable
★ Drawings can be
transfered to DTP or
graphics packages
★ Designed to run on
the Acorn Archimedes
310, 410, & 440 computers
★ Output provided to HGPL
compatible plotters and
Epson MX, RX, FX
compatible dot matrix
printers
★ Low cost only £295 ex vat
Sett mgs
0 »*'s ions
F i i *r»9
Plot
flew Dwq .
Exit
®L^JI ^0
| CROSS P ARK HOUSE. LOW GREEN. RAWDON. LEEOS LS19 6HA.TEL: (0532) 502615
Product
Price
Annual systems
maintenance
Telephone
hot line
support
VAT
Total
Price
PDT
295.00
45.00
25.00
54.75
419.75
PDT
295.00
45.00
51 00
391.00
PDT
295.00
25.00
48.00
368.00
PDT
295.00
44.25
339.25
EDUCATION SUPPORT SUBSIDY. DETAILS ON REQUEST
Please tick prefered method of payment
I proler to pay by VISA Q ACCESS Q Please find enclosed a Chequo/Postal Order
u
1 Card
J Expiry Date _
Signature
Card Addross/Address
E3
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
23
signwriter/
instant display lettering £29.95
from a dot-matrix printer (BBC version)
* Signs printed across or down the page
* Sharp characters any size - the bigger the better
* Design logos, symbols on screen
* Extra fonts £5.75 each:
Fair
Stop
etc.
Also available:
LABELWRITER
for mukipfe Uxfc
PAPER BASE
for btMo*rapWes
Available from the pubteher
WIGHT SCIENTIFIC
♦4 Roan Street London SElO ?)T
(01) 858 2699
This advertisement printed A4-size with 16-bit SIGN WRITER
BeebDOS version 2.01 (new) from M j croB oss
Software for BBC and IBM file interchange
Run* on IBM-PC-XT-AT or compatible* and support* DOS 2.0 or laier
Supplied on 360K IBM diskette with manual and plastic wallet the software includes:
ktoPY Copy files BBC - IBM. IBM - BBC. BBC - BBC (wUd cards allowed)
BCONV Flexible IBM file translate facility enabling text to oe passed between VIEW.
WORDSTAR and Displaywrite 3 amongst other uses.
BGRAPH Display BBC mode 0.1, 4J5 screen formal (AMX An included) files on IBM standard
colour (CGA), enhanced colour (EGA) or Hercules screens for use in IBM PC
presentation. DTP, drawing and other graphic applications.
BeebDOS is almost a complete BBC DFS/ADFS for the IBM PC with utilities to catalogue, format,
backup, delete, lock, unlock, compact rename, alter title A options, msp free space, change and create
directories of BBC diskette/Tdes.
Infact BeebDOS is probably the fastest and most powerful
BBC/IBM PC file transfer method available and no cables or
serial connection* are required.
BBC double density diskette formats supported are Acorn ADFS, Watford, Solidisk. OPUS DDOS and
UDM. Acorn single density DFS is only supported when running BeebDOS on an IBM AT or XT286
with a 360k disk drive. Please send or phone for an information sheet
CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER TRADE/EDUCATION ENQUIRIES WELCOME
MICROBOSS LTD 3 HADLEIGH RD FRINTQN ESSEX CQ13 9HG 'TEL (0255) 671095 FT1
£46.00
inc. VAT
XYZ DRILLING / MILLING FROM C.A.D.
I P.C.B. DRILLING DIRECT FROM C.A.D. I
Yes you can now use your CAD to provide the drilling coordinates to save
you hours of hand-drilling.
Programs such as PROTEL; PADS -PCB; RACAL-REDAC.
EE DESIGNER; LINTRACK (PC) all put out the information needed to
automatically drill your PCB’s.
LEEWOOD DEVELOPMENTS, LEEWOOD WORKS
UPTON, CAMBS, (0480) 890 860
Other CAD programs such as AUTOCAD, GENERIC CAD. PRO-DESIGN, can
provide the data to drive the machine.
IEEE488 INTERFACES FOR THE
ACORN ARCHIMEDES AND
SPRINGBOARD COMPUTER SYSTEMS
The combination of Acorn 32 bit RISC Technology and Intelligent
Interfaces hardware and software design results in a high
performance interface which fully implements the IEEE Std 488 for
communication with test and measurement instruments.
Intelligent Interfaces designed, develop, manufacture and support
the Acorn IEEE488 Interface for the BBC Model B, B+ and Master
128 Microcomputers.
Officially Appointed Acorn Scientific Dealer.
Officially Appointed Compaq Dealer Associate.
Intelligent Interfaces Ltd
43b Wood Street Tel: 0789 415875
Stratford-upon-Avon or 0703 261514
Warwickshire CV37 6JQ Telex: 312242 MIDTLX G
SOFTWARE Suitable for standard, Master Series and Archimedes Computers
Business CASHBOOK Double Entry bookkeeping in memory for clubs £13 74
CASHBOOK Double Enlry random access disc bookkeeping lor schools £22 95
★ ★★ ACCOUNT Double Enlry random access bookkeeping with credil
control, stalements. ledgers and analysis lor businesses £34 45
ACCOUNT PLUS as above with data sort, aulo statement generator, invoice, order, quotations
etc mail shot memo elc £57.44
MICRO-TRADER The complete BBC accounts system. (Demo disc £25) £230.00
MICRO-STOCK 4000 items suitable lor use with Micro-Trader £86 25
★ ★★ RANDOM MAILING mail merge. 5 sorts, 1.2, or 3 across labels £3445
**★ EXTENDED PAYROLL “impressive package - Micro User"
1. 2. 4 weekly & monthly, contracted in & oul, 3 overtime.
personnel file. 2 payslip formats, plu. plus £57.44
★ ★* SPECIALTHREE STAR OFFER-ALL THREE STAR PROGRAMS £89.95
Genealogy FAMILY TREE 340/750 people 100/250 marriages Ancestral, dependants & family
(racing wilh lull tree printout, sorted list. Review in Feb '87 issue £19 95
★ ★NEW** FAMILY TREE 3500/6000 people 1500/2000 marriages Archimedes £24 95
Statistics STATPACK the slats package for students. 30 results £13.74
DFS/ADFS We convert your DFS discs to ADFS Master or Archimedes D/L formal £4.50
ROMS INTER-BASE The latest ROM Irom Computer Concepts £4995
INTER-CHART data display "Quite clever - well, very clever" £29 99
INTER-SHEET spreadsheet "Not bad! - il's the best" £44 99
INTER-WORD "The WYSIWYG super wordprocessor I use & teach" £47.00
SPELL-MASTER Thelaslest, largest spelling checker anywhere £49 95
W0RDWISE PLUS "Programming lacililies lhal others haven’t got" £44 99
SYSTEM DELTA "The cleverer than clever program language database" £6295
SYSTEM DELTA extended programming language manual £19 95
EPROMMERS UVIPACEprom Programmer 32k Programmer £2095
UVIPACEprom Eraser £20.95
Toolkit Eprom Blower Software on ROM £7.95
COMPUTERS CAMBRIDGE Z88 128K Lap-top computer
AMSTRAD PCI 51 2 Dual Disc Drive Mono complete with £300 software
AMSTRAD PCI 51 2 Dual Disc drive Colour complete with " software
★ ★ NEW* ★ AMSTRAD PPC640 Lab lop IBM PC compatible portable
AMSTRAD CPC664 Green Screen monitor and Wordprocessor ROM
ADLER ALPHATR0NIC C/PM computer wilh FI Disc Drive
BBC/IBM/BBC Description ol how lo send data between the two machines
PRINTERS DYNEER DW20 15" Daisy wheel serial printer. High quality machine
RIBBONS. FX, RX, LX-80. 120D, GLP. Amstrad, Shinwa trom
PRINTER CABLE Suitable for BBC/Eleclron lo parallel printers
DISCS DISC DRIVE 800k Opus or similar twin double sided cased
DISCS 5 25" 10 Double sided/densily 40/80 tracks colours boxed
DISCS 3 5" 10 branded double sided highest quality, boxed
LISTING PAPERBox 2000 fanfold perforated 11" x 9 5" 60gsm (None cheaper?)
Box 2000 fanfold micro-perforated A4 80 gsm (None better?)
LABELS For Mailing 2000 2 across 3 5"x 1 .4375
For Mailing 1000 3 across 2. 75x1.4375
For Disc labelling 500 1 across 5" x 15/16"
£289.00
£593.47
£771.69
£44900
£199 00
£17500
£495
£22500
£350
£7 50
£22500
£1095
£14.95
£1345
£23.45
£1145
£6.50
£2.95
Business Programs
Payroll and Wages
iventh y eSr. The only BBC program for wages, tax anlrflational li
mnlm/onc rnuorinn lA/nol/lw II *L_ i. . .
Now in its seventh y e3f. The only
up to 400 employees covering Weekly, Fortni
Insurance for
.v, w„, K ,w,ww» w.uuny MDomjr, i wm lightly, Four weekly or Monthly pay whether
contracted in or out. Accepts up to 46 items of data per employee in two parts, Pay and
personnel, prints out P35 data, personal information per employee for P45 and P60 forms,
idard, regular pay or compilation of pay
- - — . 'unds, sick-pay, SMP, SSP, holiday pay. a ..u
POSt-tax adjustments and even no pay. Three summaries, two different types of payslips
pei ,
The Payroll accepts standard, regular pa'
overtime rates, pension funds, sick-pa 1 J
or compilation of pay from hourly, three
,4D ec6 — bonuses, pre and
and optional coin analysis. Annual contract
which keeps you up to date
with the budget changes.
Twin NCR payslips.
Send for demo disk.
£49.95 + VAT
Bookkeeping
1) Double entry bookkeeping (or home or club use. All data CH H
kept in memory. Three character analysis code enables you * *
to know where the money comes from and where it goes. 48
transactions per A4 page. Analysis summary of up to 30
categories. £10
2) As 1 ) + Random Access giving 2000 items. CASK/BANK **
or VAT/BANK headings. Password controlled. String sear-
ches. For schools, clubs, churches, non credit business. POft
3) As 2) + Credit facility and statements. For small working £.£3
on credit businesses.
4) As 3) + Invoicing, Orders. Quotations, etc. Full sorting of
data by 5 options. Automated statements, mailing labels. CMQ
Multiple automatic nominal ledgers. For independent schools
and VAT businesses who wish to cut the effort.
5) Micro-Trader is a full accountancy package with features
right through to final Balance Sheet. Stock Control at £75 + £200
VAT extra. For shops/firms wanting full accounting facilities.
Payroll can be integrated.
95+ VAT
95+ VAT
95+VAT
94+VAT
00+VAT
Mailing
Multiple labels, mail merge and sorts. £11.95 or £29.95 + VAT
Family History £1 9.95 inc
Archimedes Version £24.95 inc
Ask for detailed brochure for more software and other items.
Prices include VAT. Add 57p for p/p. Printers add £9.95
As lar as we know the only genealogical program tor the BBC written and sold by
genealogists tor genealogical enthusiasts.
Micro- Aid
(AU), 25 Fore Street, Praze,
Camborne, Cornwall TR14 0JX
or telephone 0209-831274 with ACCESS
Send for full brochure of these & other items.
Demo payroll disk £2.50. Postage add 57p.
24
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
THE PUBLISHER
Permanent Memory Systems
38 MOUNT CAMERON DRIVE
EAST KILBRIDE G74 2ES
SCOTLAND
03552-32796
(24 hour)
A NO-NONSENSE, NO-GIMMICK DESKTOP PUBLISHING SYSTEM
★INTEGRATES WITH YOUR EXISTING WORDPROCESSOR
★SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL PAGE DESCRIPTION COMMANDS
★ON-SCREEN PREVIEW FROM WORDWISE, VIEW & INTER-WORD
THE PUBLISHER is a single, massive 64K ROM which holds the controlling
software and 16 FONTS. Being ROM based, THE PUBLISHER is instantly
available, no disc access required. PREPARE, PREVIEW and PRINT all from
WITHIN your wordprocessor. £39 4- £1 P&P + VAT = £46 INC.
CONTACT PMS FOR FULL DETAILS, SCREEN-SHOT AND SAMPLE PRINTOUT
ANOTHER QUALITY PRODUCT FROM PMS
YOUR WISH...
..IS MY COMMAND
"stunning'', "superb", "well written"...
unanimously praised by reviewers
The PROFESSIONAL "POP-UP" for the
BBC Micro.
ADDRESS BOOK, CALCULATOR,
CALENDAR, PHONE BOOK,
NOTEPAD, all you need to get organised!
Battery-hacked
£79.35 + £2 P&P
Disk/ROM based
GENIE Junior
£25 + £1 P&P
GENIE Watch RTC
£29.90 + £1 P&P
Utilities disk
£9.95 + £1 P&P
(PRICES INC VAT)
STARTS JULY 18th
ENDS AUGUST 31st
SUMMER SALE
MENTOR THE MASTER COMPATIBLE SYSTEMS
Model No 2801 Master compatible with one 40/80 disc drive
PLUS FREE second 40/80 disc drive £475.00 p&p £1 4.00
Model No 2802 Master compatible with two 40/80 disc drives
PLUS FREE hi res mono monitor £575.00 p&p £1 4.00
Model No 2820 Master compatible with one 40/80 disc drive
one 20 Megabyte hard disc drive PLUS FREE
Panasonic KXP1081 printer with lead £895.00p&p £14.00
Model No M2802 Master compatible with two 40/80 disc drives
and a hi res monochrome monitor PLUS FREE
Morley Master AA romexpansion board £664.00p&p£14.00
Model No MC2802 Master compatible with two 40/80 disc drives
and a medium resolution colour monitor
PLUS FREE Morley teletext adaptor £864.00 p&p £14.00
Mentor Computer Systems are fully Acorn compatible they are used in industry,
commerce, education and in the home they have all the same I/O ports as the
Master and will accept all co processors add ons and econet.
LAS T REMAINI NG SANYO PR3000
£75.00 TO CLEAR
This compact daisywheel printer with
bidirectional printing for use with
home and business computers
provides 8 characters/second
printing, 80 characters/line, with
either 10 or 12 characters/inch.
[Parallel (Centronics compatible)
interface.
Cased 40/80 half height.double sided Mitsubushi disc drive PLUS FREE
10 diskettes or 10 games diskette £89.00p&p£5.00
Cased Dual 40/80 half height.double sided, Mitsubushi disc drive
PLUS FREE lockable disc storage unit & 10 diskettes
or 20 games on two diskettes £1 78.00 p& p £6.00
WE REGRET THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT ACCESS OR VISA FOR SALE ITEMS
NON SALE ITEMS
OAK WINCHESTER DISC DRIVE SYSTEMS
Comprise of; Winchester unit.case, switch mode power supply.controller card.host
adaptor, all cables. user guide and hard disc utilities.
All Oak Winchester are fully ADFS compatible.
20 Mebabytesystem(will not accept 2nd hard disc) £399.00p&p£10.00
20 Megabyte system £495.00p&p £1 0.00
40Megabytesystem £695.00 p&p £10.00
60 Megabyte system £795.00 p&p £10.00
Second Winchester Drive 1 cased with cables
20 Megabyte Drivel £395.00 p&p £10.00
40 Megabyte Drivel £595.00 p&p £10.00
60 Megabyte Drivel £695.00 p&p £10.00
OAK DISC DRIVES FOR THE BBC COMPUTER
Oak disc drive systems comprise of: Mitsubushi double sided disc drives capable
of both single and double density. 40/80 track switchable, metal case colour
matched to the BBC Computer, all cables, manual and utilities disc.
Single disc drives see sale data above.
New Product cased dual 40/80 switchable disc drive system
with switcheson front panel £180.00p&p£8.00
New Product cased dual 40/80 switchable disc drive system
including power supply with switcheson front panel £21 5.00 p&p £8.00
New Product cased dual drives one 40/80 switchable 51/4 inch
and one31/2inchdiscdrive(switchat rear) £175.00 p&p £8.00
New Product cased dual drives one 40/80 switchable 51/4 inch
andone31/2 inch disc drive(switch on front panel) ....£190.00 p&p £8.00
New Product cased dual disc drives one 40/80 switchable 51/4 inch
and one 31/2 inch disc drive with PSU
(switcheson front panel) £225.00 p&p £8.00
SECOND HAND COMPUTERS
Oak Mentormodel 2802 good condition 12monthguarantee £499.00p&p£14.00
OakMentormodelMC2802.asnew, 12monthguarantee £699.00 p&p £14.00
Oak Mentormodel M2802.ambermonitor.12monthguarantee £589.00p&p £14.00
Master 128computer, good condition. 12 monthguaratee £295.00 p&p £8.00
BBCmodelB.issue7board. Acorn DFS, 12monthguarantee £289.00 p&p £8.00
BBC model B,issue4 board. Acorn DFS. 12month guarantee £249.00p&p£8.00
BITS AND PIECES
New uncased 40/80, half height, double sided. Mitsubushi
disc drive 12monthSguarantee £67.00 p&p £5.00
BBC upgradekit(processor& keyboard housings) £29.00 p&p £5.50
Singlediscdrivecase £7.00p&p£2.50
Dualdiscdrivecase £14.00 p&p £2.75
Dual discdrivecase with provision for PSU £19.50p&p£3.25
Hard disc case with provisions for PSU & FAN £29.00 p&p £3.25
Discdrivepowersupplyforabovedualdrivecase £35.00p&p£4.00
Harddiscpowersupplyforabovecase £45.00p&p£4.00
Uncased 20 Megabyte hard disc ST225N £235.00p&p £8.00
Oak Hard disc host adaptor& software ADFScomp , £55.00p&p£3.00
Si ngle power cable £2.95 p&p £1 .00
Dual powercable £3.65p&p£1.00
Singledatacable £3.95p&p£1.00
Dualdatacable £5.95p&p£1.00
BBC B AND BBC B PLUS SPARES MASTER SPARES
Keyboard £25.00 p&p £3.50 Keyboard £56.00 p&p £3.50
Powersupplies £38.00 p&p £3.50
Plastic cases £1 2.00p&p £3.00
1 7 way keyboard connector .. £1 .00 p&p £0.50
Plastic key strip £2.00p&p£1.00
Speakergrill £1.00p&p£0.50
Speakerassembly £2.75p&p£0.50
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE If you are not completely satisfied(Goods are returned by insured
parcel post, postage paid, goods should be in as new condition and returned within 10 working
days). PRICES EXCLUDE VAT U.K. Customers please add 15% to Total cost + p&p).
Motherboard £246.00 p&p £3.50
Powersupply £51. 00 p&p £3.50
Speaker assembly . £2.75 p&p £0.50
Battery pack £2.75p&p£0.50
NON SALE ITEMS EDUCATION AND
VOLUME DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
LOCAL GOVERNMENT,
GOVERNMENT AND
■■SP EDUCATION AUTHORITY
t=l ORDERS ACCEPTED
OAK COMPUTERS, CROSS PARK
HOUSE, LOW GREEN, RAWDON,
LEEDS LS19 6HA.TEL:(0532)502615
TLX:51311 RELAYS G.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
25
AVON COMPUTER EXCHANGE
MAILORDER
OTHER
BRANCHES
BRISTOL: 42 Cannon St, Bedminster
Tel: (0272) 657981 (4 lines)
CARDIFF: 87 City Rd
Tel: (0222)483069/471600
SWINDON: 31 Faringdon Rd
Tel: (0793)51207413
THE PRICE YOU SEE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY
GUARANTEED NO VAT NO CARRAIGE NO SURCHARGES NO AIRPORT TAX NO MOT NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURINGS
PHILLIPS MONITORS
COLOUR
MONOCHROME.
£199
... £79
LOCKABLE DISK BOXES
ZVz" HOLDS 90 DISCS £9.95
5V4" HOLDS 30 DISCS £7.95
Panasonic
KX-P1081 £159
★ 120 COS DRAFT
★ 24 CPS NLQ
★ SWITCHABLE FONTS
★ TRACTOR & SINGLE SHEET
★ CENTRONICS
UNBRANDED DISKS
PER 10
DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY 5V 4 " £5.00
DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY 3V 2 " £1 1 .95
LIFE-TIME GUARANTEE PER 10
SINGLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY 3%" £1 2.95
DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY 3V 2 " £1 6.95
DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY 5W' 9.00
i(c mr LC-10 £1 79
COLOUR VERSION
£239
★ 120 CPS DRAFT
★ 30 CPS NLQ
★ 4K BUFFER
★ TRACTOR & SINGLE SHEET
B
rchimedes
A305 BASE £703.85
MONO £761.35
COLOUR £933.85
A310 BASE £791.25
MONO £848.75
COLOUR £1021.25
NEC
PINWRITHR P2200
£329
★ 140 CPS DRAFT
★ 47 CPS LETTER QUALITY
★ 24 PIN
★ TRACTOR & SINGLE SHEET
★ CIT SHEET FEEDER - AVAILABLE
WESTERN DIGITAL HARD CARDS
21 MBYTES £219 WITH
32 MBYTES £269 EXTRA
43 MBYTES £299 SOFTWARE
m CITIZEN
120D £139
★ 120 CPS DRAFT
★ 24 CPS NLQ
★ TRACTORS SINGLE SHEET
★ CENTRONICS
ATARI 520 STFM £269
ATARI 520 STFM (SUMMER
PACK) £349
ATAR1 1 040 STF (with built in
modulator) £449
COMMODORE AMIGA A500 £389
LAZER
PRINTERS
CITIZEN OVERTURE £1395
EPSON GQ 3500 £1495
CANNON LBS82 £1895
132 COLUMNS PRINTER
OMP4000 £299
CITIZEN HQP45 24 PIN £599
GAKKEN DAISYWHEEL £199
ALL SLOGGER PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM STOCK
AMSTRAD ★ ACORN ★ ATARI ★ COMMODORE ★ PANASONIC
CITIZEN ★ STAR ★ NEC ★ OPUS ★ PSION
FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN MAINLAND
ONLY ON
ORDERS OVER
£100
AUTHORISED
DEALER FOR
26
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
B-SWEEP
NOW PLOT THE ACTUAL
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
OF YOUR CIRCUIT!
Ideal for schools, colleges
and Industry
★ 1 00Hz-20KHz phaselocked sinewave oscillator controlled by BBC
micro software.
★ Output up to 1 volt r.m.s.
★ Accurate A.C. to D.C. converter.
★ Precision voltage reference for accurate use of micro A/D.
★ Housed in compact unit powered from micro.
★ Full instructions with program listings.
For B, B+ and Master £95 incl. VAT & P/P
MELFORD DESIGNS LTD.
5 Bucknalls Drive, Bricket Wood, St Albans AL2 3XJ
Tel: 0923 672008
!
Ha
i
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Ur
k
!
j
- 4-U.
l-f
fll
ji
« — ~~ .-i— I 1 1 . i i
t.i ».» i »
MESSAGE MASTER
For bulletin board users. Help Reduce lengthy phone
calls by preparing messages off-line and then
transmitting them error free to the bulletin board(s) of
your choice. Message can be written with a
wordprocessor like View or Word wise, or using the
editor provided. Once a message has been written it can
be saved away onto disk for further editing or
transmission. For the BBC B 6c Master 128. Only S8!
Please state 40/80 track when ordering, or send a SAE
for full details.
© H © J|]=
0 TJ Qua (TaaflOoffiflo
B,0O«0dQ0tr
MW 0(Off
ALPHA
M I C R OTEC
OFFICIAL ACORN DEALERS FOR THE
WEST MIDLANDS
TOGETHER WITH ACORN COMPUTERS
INVITE YOU TO
ARCHIMEDES IN ACTION
A PRESENTATION EVENING AND SOFTWARE
EXHIBITION AT
THE LIBRARY THEATRE, HOMER RD.,
SOLIHULL, WEST MIDLANDS
ON
JUNE 28TH 4PM -9PM
— SEE THE ARCHIMEDES 300 AND 400 SERIES WITH A WIDE RANGE OF
APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE.
— SPEAK TO EXPERTS FROM ACORN AND ALPHA MICROTEC
— TRY OUT FOR YOURSELF THE FASTEST COMPUTER IN THE WORLD
CALL IN AT ANY TIME DURING THE EVENING OR VISIT ONE OF THE
SPECIALIST DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE THEATRE .
CONTACT
ALPHA MICROTEC LTD, 321 STRATFORD ROAD,
SHIRLEY, WEST MIDLANDS B90 3BL
TEL: 021 -745 8998
(HOURS OF BUSINESS 9.15 - 6PM TUESDAY - SATURDAYS)
TO RECEIVE YOUR OWN INVITA TION TO THIS EXCITING LOCAL
EVENT AND TAKE PART IN OUR
PRIZE DRAW
AND WIN A CASE OF WINE
1
DISC
RRP
TAPE
5.25 ELECTRON!
STRIP POKER 2
SPITFIRE 40
SCRABBLE
REPTON THRO TIME
MONOPOLY
APOCALYPSE
SUPERIOR
MANDARIN
ANCO
MIRRORSOFT
LEISURE GENIUS
SUPERIOR
LEISURE GENIUS
INFOCRAMMES
KOURTYARD
SPYCAT
BONECRUNCHER
QUEST
PLAY IT AGAIN SAM 2
SPELLBINDER
GODAX
SUPERIOR
SUPERIOR
SUPERIOR
SUPERIOR
SUPERIOR
9 95 T
II 95 D
9 95 T
17 95
10 99 D
B 99 T
14 95 D
9 95 T
9 95 T
11 99 D
9 95 T
9 95 D
7 95 T
1 2 95 D
9 95 T
14 95 D
12 95 T
7 95 D
6 95 T
14 95 D
12 95 T
14 95 D
9 95 T
8 95 T
12 95 D
9 95 T
12 95 D
14 95 D
9 95 T
9 95 T
I I 95 D
9 95 T
14 95 D
12 95 T
9 95 T
14 99 O
9 99 T
II 95 D
9 95 T
I I 95 D
9 95 T
II 95 D
9 95 T
11 95 D
9 95 T
11 95 D
9 95 T
It 95 D
9 95 T
7 SO
7 50
8 SO
6 50
8 50
10 95
S SO
10 95
8 SO
7 95
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
12 95
9 99
7 95
1 1 50
12 95
6 50
12 95
12 95
10 95
10 50
12 95*
12 99
10 50
9 00-
9 00-
9 00*
9 00 ‘
9 00*
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
AT THESE PRICES WHY GO
ELSEWHERE FOR
ACORN SOFTWARE?
GRANDPRIX
REVS
WINTEROLYMPICS
PHANTOM
PAPERBOY
SUPERIOR
SUPERIOR
TYNESOFT
TVNESOFT
ELITE
1 I 95 D
9 95 T
14 95 D
12 95 T
14 95 D
9 95 T
12 95 D
7 95 T
14 95 D
9 95 T
UTILITY SOFTWARE
FLEETSTREETEDITOR
MINI OFFICE 2
SPELL MASTERROM
WORDWISE PLUS ROM
INTERWORD ROM
INTERSMCFT ROM
INTERBASE ROM
MIRRORSOFT
DATABASE
VTI <.OOHMOTH4CH
iSMTI <.0<
59 00
56 55
56 55
56 55
56 55
54 95
14 95
. I tf MON »t>D V W)'.NOS.
55 00
51 55
51 55
51 55
51 55
EDUCATION
ANSWERBACK JUNIOR
ANSWER BACKSENIOR
IDENTIFYEUROPE
ANIMAL VEC MIN
HAPPYLETTERS
HAPPY NUMBERS
HAPPY WRITING
WORLDWISE
KOSMOS
KOSMOS
KOSMOS
BOURNE
BOURNE
BOURNE
BOURNE
BOURNE
10 95 D
9 9S T
10 95 D
9 95 T
8 95 D
7 95 T
14 95 D
9 95 T
14 95 D
9 95 T
14 95 D
9 95 T
14 95 D
9 95 T
14 95 D
9 95 T
8 95
7 95
8 9S
7 95
7 95
6 95
12 95
7 95
1 2 95*
8 95
12 95*
0 25
I? 95-
a 95
12 95-
8 95
ORDERING DETAILS
All prices include VAT & P&P
(please add £ 1 . 50 for overseas orders)
‘ Add £2 to 5 1 a disc price for 3-5
Cheques and POs made payable to - Telemap Ltd
Bytemail (Deptmu)
Durrant House
8. Herbal Hill
London EC 1 R 5EJ
Tel: 01-278 3143
Jr
TUI .UMAP GROUP LTD
Acc**s
VISA |
Access and Visa welcomed
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
27
NEVER SLEEPS
TELEPHONE: 0276-22677
01-441 2922 (Office Hours)
24 HOURS A DAY
7 DAYS A WEEK
FAX:
0276-684716
01-440 7033
EDUCATIONAL ENQUIRIES ARE MOST WELCOME
CARRIAGE ON
ANY ITEM
POST £3.00
COURIER £10.00
PHONE YOUR ORDER NOW WITH CONFIDENCE
WE GUARANTEE TO MATCH PRICES OFFERED
THROUGH ANY OTHER SUPPLIER
ALL MAJOR
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
*
BBC MASTER SERIES
Master 128
£ 374.00
Master Turbo Upgrade
£ 99.00
Master 512 upgrade
£ 199.00
Eprom Cartridge
£ 1 1.00
Reference Manual Part 1
£ 14.95
Refeience Manual Part 2
£ 14.95
Advanced Reference Manual
£ 19.95
View Manual
£ 10.00
ViewSheet Manual
£ 10.00
Disk Filing System User Guide
£ 5.00
Plynth for Master
£ 12.00
Joystick (switched)
£ 15.00
ACORNSOFT
View ROM
£ 37.00
ViewSheet ROM
£ 37.00
ViewStore ROM
£ 37.00
VtewSpeii ROM
£ 29.00
GXR Gratics ROM
£ 26.00
ISO Pascal ROM
£ 60.00
Basic 2 ROM
£ 15.00
OS 1 2 ROM
£ 10.00
Viewlndex
£ 12.00
ViewPlot
£ 22.00
Hivtew
£ 36.00
Printer Driver Generator
£ 10.00
Speech Upgrade
£ 39.00
ADFS Rom
£ 25.00
1770 DFS upgrade
£ 49.00
COMPUTER CONCEPTS
Wordwise ♦
£ 40.00
Intersheet
£ 37.00
Interword
£ 39.00
Inlerchart
£ 26.00
interbase
£ 55.00
Disc Doctor
£ 28.00
PrmtMaster
£ 24.00
Communicator
£ 49.00
Termi II
£ 25.00
Accelerator
£ 48.00
SpellMaster
£ 47.00
Edword 2 ROM
£ 46.00
A I PL Sidewise Board
£ 39.00
AMX Mouse
£ 59.00
AMX Pagemaker
£ 37.00
ECONET EQUIPMENT
Upgrade tor
BBC B £ 60.00
10 Station Lead Set £ 25.00
Module lor
100m Cable
£ 86.00
Master/Archie £ 43.00
Installation
Clock ♦ Term Set £ 86.00
(per day)
£ 150.00
Outlet Socket Kit £ 26.00
Filestore E01
Level i Sofiware £ 80.00
(server)
£ 828.00
Level 2 Sofiware £ 216.00
Filestore E20
Printer Server £ 42.00
(20Mbyte)
£ 721.00
DISK SYSTEMS
Acorn Winchester
30 Mbyte w.th L3 S/W
£ 1549.00
Cumana Disk Systems for BBC
Single without PSU
CSX 100
40T/SS
1 00 K
£ 89.00
CSX400
80T/DS
400K
£1 19.00
Single with PSU
CS100
4on-ss
100K
£ 109.00
CS400
80T/DS
400K
£ 139.00
CS354
3 5
400K
£1 19.00
Dual with PSU
CD200
40T/SS
200K
£ 199.00
CD800S
80T/DS
800K
£ 239.00
CD358
35
800K
£ 199.00
CAB29
20MByte
Hard Disk
£ 599.00
Cumana Disk Systems for Atari
CSA 354
3.5"
Single 1MByte
£ 125.00
CDA 358
3.5"
Dual 2MByte
£ 225.00
CSA 1000S
5.25"
Single 1 MByte
£ 145.00
ACORN ARCHIMEDES
Base
Mono
Colour
Baso
Mono
Colour
Base PC Emulator
Mono PC Emulator
Colour PC Emulator
Baso
Mono
Colour
Mono
Colour
0 5 Mbyte Ram
Floppy Disk
20 Mbyte + Controller
Podulo Backplane
1 OPodule
PC Emulator Software
Archie Reference Guide
C649.00
C699.00
C849.00
C72S.OO
C77S.OO
C925.00
C79&.00
C84S.OO
C999.00
Cl 299.00
Cl 349.00
Cl 499.00
C2199.00
C2249.00
C 2399.00
C89.00
Cl 25.00
C499.00
C35.00
C79.00
C79.00
C29.95
AMSTRAD COMPUTERS
PCI 640SD Mono
PCI 640DD Mono
PC1640HD20 Mono
PCI 640SD Colour
PCI 640DD Colour
PC1640HD20 Colour
PC1640SD Enhanced Colour
PC1640DD Enhanced Colour
PC1640HD20 Enhanced Colour
1640 Technical Ref Manual
LQ3500
DMP3160 Printer
DMP4000
Modem Card
HD20 Add-on
Wordstar 1512
Wordstar Express
Supercalc 3.1
Supercalc 3.21
Reflex
Sidekick
Infomaster
Accounts Master
Paymaster
PCW8256
PCW8512
PCW 9512
C 449.00
£ 549.00
£ 799.00
£ 599.00
£ 699.00
£ 949.00
£ 749.00
£ 799.00
£ 1099.00
£ 19.95
£ 349.00
£ 199.00
£ 349.00
£ 149.00
£ 449.00
£ 49.00
£ 69.95
£ 49.00
£ 69.00
£ 69.95
£ 29.00
£ 69.00
£ 149.00
£ 49.00
£ 299.00
£ 399.00
£ 499.00
BBC ‘B’ (2nd User)
PRICES FROM £175
3 Months Warranty
PLEASE CALL FOR AVAILABILITY
BARGAIN BASEMENT
Apple Disk with Controller
Applo Additional Disk Drive
Duodisk with Controller
Applo Monitor
Supor Serial Card
Cirtoch 80 Column T ext Card
Cirtoch 80 Column 64K Card
Cirtoch Printer Card
Sound i Vision Modulator
RGB colour card
Applcworks
Workbench
JukiCtOOprintor
TECF10-40
Acorn ZOO Second Processor
Acorn Teletext Receiver
Anadox 8500 (Non- runner)
Acorn 30Mbyto Winchester
with L3 Softwaro
Applo Macintosh Add-on Drive
MISCELLANEOUS
Cl 49.00
C99.00
C 349.00
C79.00
C69.00
C49.0O
C79.00
C49.00
Cl 9.00
C49.00
C99.00
C99.00
C200.00
C699.00
C200.00
C75.00
Cl 00.00
Cl 200.00
C200.00
5 25 Datatech Diskettes per 10 80T Double Sided £ 15.00
3 5 Datatech Diskettes per 10 80T Double Sided £ 20.00
3 Diskettes per 10 Single Sided
Double Sided
5 25 Storage Box 10
30
80
3 5 Storage Box 10
30
60
02 Cassettes 12 mm x 10
Ribbons
Epson MX/FX/RX80/LX800
MX/FX/RX100
LX/80
JX80 (Colour)
LQ800
LQ1000
Canon/Taxan
Colour Cartridge
.Juki MS
Juki SS
Hermes (Remstar)
Imagewriter/Apple DMP
Microline
Anadex 9500/1
TEC/Citoh/Diablo
Brother HR15/DX100
Amstrad PCW 8256/512
PCW 9512
Amstrad DMP3000
Printer lead for
BBC im
BBC 2m
BBC 3m
RS423
Compact
Apricot Sanyo
IBM/Amstrad PC/Archie
IBM RS232
Custom made leads
Printer Data Switch
2- way
3- way
4- way
2- Way Crossover
Selmour Desks
4X2 (with shelf)
3X2 (with shelf)
Shinecrest Desk (3x2)
Monitor/Disk/Printer Stand
Cassette Lead
02 Cassettes (per 10)
4-way mains adapter
£ 30.00
£ 50.00
£ 2.50
£12.00
£ 18.00
£ 3.50
£ 9.00
£ 15.00
£2.00
£ 4.00
£8.00
£ 4.00
£ 10.00
£ 6.00
£ 8.00
£ 6.00
£10.00
£ 3.00
£ 2.00
£ 3.00
£6.00
£ 2.50
£ 12.50
£ 5.00
£ 4.00
£6.00
CALL
£ 4.00
£6.00
£8.00
£10.00
£ 8.00
£ 15.00
£ 12.00
£12.00
£ 15.00
£ 25.00
£ 69.00
£ 89.00
£ 99.00
£ 99.00
£1 19.00
£ 99.00
£ 69.00
£ 12.00
£ 4.00
£ 4.00
£ 8.69
PART EXCHANGE YOUR BBC FOR
ANYTHING WE CARRY IN STOCK
Allowances from £75 (non-working)
to £200 (late model - DFS Machine).
PRINTERS
Epson
LX800
SS Feeder
FX800
SS Feeder
FX1000
SS Feeder
EX800
SS Feeder
EX 1000
SS Feeder
Colour Ribbon
Colour Option
LQ500
SS Feeder
LQ850
SS Feeder
LQ1050
SS Feeder
LQ2500
SS Feeder
SQ2500
CQ3500 Laser
Data Products LZR 1 230
Canon
PW1080A
A55 132 col
Serial Interface
PJ 1080 Colour
LPB-8 Series 2 Laser
6100 Daisywheel
Serial Interface
SS Feeder
Tractor Unit
6200
6300
6500
National Panasonic Matrix
KXP 1081
KXP3131
£189.00
£75.00
£299.00
£139.00
£439.00
£139.00
£399.00
£148.00
£545.00
£198.00
£18.00
£55.00
£299.00
£75.00
£499.00
£155.00
£699.00
£179.00
£789.00
£198.00
£999.00
£1495.00
£2490.00
£249.00
£449.00
£79.00
£399.00
£1646.00
£279.00
£59.00
£199.00
£159.00
£449.00
£699.00
£799.00
£149.00
£245.00
SPECIAL OFFER:
EPSON LX800 - STILL ONLY 189.00
BUT ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST!
Also available. Citizen. Star
SPECIAL OFFER
Acorn Philips medium resolution colour monitor suit-
able for BBC B. BBC Master. Acorn Archimedes. Atari
and many other micors.
TTL RGB input, analogue RGB input, audio input.
button to select green text. 12 months warranty
Limited number only El 99.00
Ideal for 80 column word processing, and for colour
graphics.
PLOTTERS
Linear Graphics Plotmato
A4 Parallel
A4M Mulli-intorlaco
A3 Parallel
A3M Multi-interface
Houston Instruments
EDMP52A2/A1
High Spood Inlolllgont
EDMP 52MP A2/A t
High Spood Intelligent Drum
C369.00
C429.00
C399.00
C549.00
MONITORS
Microvitec
1431 MS Std Res
£ 168.00
1431DS Std Res
£ 168.00
1431 MS/AP
£ 219.00
1431DS/AP
£ 219.00
1451 MS Med Res
£ 219.00
1451 DS Med Res
£ 219.00
1451 MS/AP
£ 249.00
1451DS/AP
£ 249.00
1441 High Res
£ 359.00
2030CS Std Res
£ 380.00
2040CS High Res
£ 685.00
1456/DI 2 CG A
£ 349.00
1322/S 12 EGA
£ 449.00
Touchtech501
£ 249.00
Tilt & Swivel
£ 19.00
Philips
7502 12" Green
£ 69.00
7522 12" Amber
£ 85.00
7542 12" White
£ 85.00
7513 12" Green IBM
£99
7713 14" Green IBM
£ 113.00
7723 14" Amber IBM
£ 118.00
8833 14" Colour
£ 249.00
8852 14" Colour
£ 279.00
887314" EGA
£ 499.00
Taxan
KX 17
£ 75.00
KX 12
£ 99.00
Acorn
ADF32 Med Res
Colour
£ 199.00
1 MODEMS 1
Miracle WS 2000 V21/23
£92.00
WS 2000 Auto Dial Card
£27.00
WS 2000 Auto Answer Card
£27.00
WS 2000 Sk.
Kit
£5.00
WS 2000 User Port Lead
£5.00
WS 4000 V21/23
£135.00
WS 3000 V21/23 £244.00
WS 3000 V22 £409.00
WS 300 V22 BIS £537.00
(Comes complete with BBC Corns package ana
Data Lead}
Pace/Nightingale Modem £115.00
BBC/Commstar Software £29.00
PCB DESIGN
EUROMICRO PC SYSTEMS
386/16
£1995.00
1 Mbyte RAM. Single 1 .2 MByte floppy
286/10
£1295.00
1 MByte RAM. Single 1 .2 Mbyte floppy
Baby AT
£995.00
1 MByte RAM, Single 1 .2 MByte floppy
XT-Turbo
££695.00
640K RAM. Single 360K floppy
All complete with Monochrome Monitor. Keyboard Serial and
Parallel ports, and MSDOS v3.21
Add-on Hard Disks (including controller where necessary)
for XT-Turbo 20 MByte
£295.00
for Baby AT 20 Mbyte
£350.00
for 206 10 20 MByte
£200.00
for 386 16 20 MByte
£350.00
for 386/16 20 MByte +
£495.00
cache
Add-on floppy
for XT-Turbo 360K
£65.00
for Baby AT. 1 .2 Mbyte
£95.00
Add-on Memory
for 286/ 10 1 Mbyte
£130.00
for 386/1 6 1 Mbyte
£295.00
EGA Colour monitor
£395.00
EGA Card
£195.00
Euromicro PC reviews have said:
Which Computer -‘Startling Good Value'
of 386 16
Which Computer -‘Best Buy'
of 286/10
PC User ‘Excellent’
of 386
Introductory offer with every
286 and 386 a free Epson LX800
PC SOFTWARE
Delta Professional
£399.00
Delta 4 Budget
£85.00
dBase III Plus
£399.00
PFS: Professional Filer
£199.00
Cardbox
£52.00
Cardbox Plus
£249.00
WordPerfect v4.2
£299.00
Junior WordPerfect
£86.00
Wordstar v3.4
£199.00
Wordstar Professional v4
£249.00
Wordstar 2000 rel3
£299.00
Lotus 123 rel2
£349.00
Lotus Symphony
£325.00
Psion Xchange
£325.00
Ability
£99.00
Logistix
£99.00
Sage Bookkeeper
£95.00
Sage Accountant
£135.00
Sage Accountant Plus
£165.00
•Professional PCB Layout using Racai RedCAD
— no |Ob too small
•EPLD Chips designed
(Erasable Programmable Logic Devices)
•24 Hours lurn round -
contact Russell Clarke 0276-684715
SATELLITE RECEIVING SYSTEMS
PRICES EX-
Compshop was established in 1978. and in the nine
years of trading numbers among its customers BBC.
BOCC. BP. British Aerospace. British Home Stores.
British Leyland, BT, CBS. DECX. Ferodo. GEC. Hirst.
ITT. ITN, Kodak. Logica. Marconi. Metal Box. MK
Electric. Pilkington Glass. Radio Rentals. Rolls Royce.
Saatchi and Saatchi. STC. STL. Texas. Instruments.
Thorn EMI. UDT and Zales.
-VAT AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE PLEASE RING FOR S TOCK SITUATION BEFORE MAKING LONG JOURNEYS.
OPEN
10-7 • Mon-Fri
10-4 • Sat
•Complete Systems from £499
•Satellite Decoder Boxes for Filrnnet ♦ Sky
from £299
BBC
MW EM
•ESTABLISHED EDUCATION SUPPLIERS •
WITH APPROVED ACORN»AMSTRAD»CUMANA
MICROVITEC* EPSON* SERVICE CENTRES
RETAIL SHOPS
COMPSHOP
14 STATION ROAD,
NEW BARNET,
HERTS EN5 1 QW
(NEAR BRITISH RAIL STATION)
SALES: 01-441-2922
TECHNICAL: 01-449 6596
TELEX: 298755 TELECOM G
LTD
INNOVATION HOUSE
ALBANY PARK
CAMBERLEY,
SURREY GUI 5 2PL
(BEHIND PAYLESS')
SALES: 0276-29219
TECHNICAL: 0276-684715
r Uviprom 16/32 Eprom Programmer"'
Uviprom 16/32 Eprom Programmer
★ Programs 2764, 27128 & 27256, including "A"
& CMOS types
★ Plugs into user port on BBC B. 128 or Master.
★ High Quality TEXTOOL ZIF socket.
★ 21 or 12.5 Volt programming.
★ UVP 1.1 ROM has five * commands.
★ Very easy to use non nn
hardware and software. LOUiUU .
★ Programs 2764, 27128, 27256, 27512, 27513
& 27011, inc. "A" & CMOS types.
★ Plugs into user port on BBC B. 128 or Master.
★ High Quality TEXTOOL ZIF socket.
★ 21 or 12,5 Volt programming,
★ UVP 1.1 ROM has five * commands.
★ Custom made cream f A E fl fl
. aluminium case. Xi4J.UUj
f Multiprom Eprom Programmer ^
Uvipac Eprom Eraser
The UVIPAC was designed especially for the home computer enthusiast
requiring to erase up to 3 EPROMs at a time. Also erases Datapaks.
★ Compact 90 x 80 x 40mm size.
★ 240 Volt mains powered.
★ 15 Minute timer option in (T) model.
★ Timer + sounder option in (TS) model
★ Spare tubes only E3 00
UVIPAC UVIPAC (T) UVIPAC (TS)
£21.50 £26.50 £28.50
r Uviprom 16 Special Offer!! ^
Basic uncased 8/1 6K programmer for 12.5 Volt
Eproms. Programs most “A" and CMOS types.
Including UVP 1.1 ROM software.
^£15.00 WHILE STOCKS LAST J
r EPROMS
1-2
3-9
10 up^
27128-25
£3.70
£3.50
£3.30
27C1 28-25
£4.00
£3.70
£3.50
27256-25
£5.00
£4.90
£4.80
All types use 12.5
Volt Vpp
i S.A.Eforold UVIPROM 21 to 12.5 data.^
TEL: 0702 230324
DEPT. AU7
GROUND CONTROL
ALFREDA AVENUE
HULLBRIDGE
ESSEX SS5 6LT
ALL PRICES INCLUDE
VAT AND P&P
MAIL/TELEPHONE ORDERS
ONLY PLEASE.
EDUCATIONAL AND
GOVERNMENT ORDERS
WELCOME.
ECOnET EflHRnCEmEnT HRRDUJURE FRom DEL
ECONET \
TAPE STREAMER
Back up your entire Econet Level 3 Winchester in 2 minutes!
The Digistore 600 is the latest addition to our range of Econet
enhancement products. It provides Acorn hard disc users with the first
professional tapestreamer for Econet and ADFS, and at 5.2 megabytes per
minute, a security backup can be made several times a day with almost no
effort.
The Digistore uses industry standard data cartridges giving exceptional
reliability and data security.
159 HAVANT ROAD, DRAYTON. PORTSMOUTH. HANTS P06 2AA
TELEPHONE (0705) 324934
PINEAPPLE SOFTWARE
Programs for the BBC model 'B', B+, Master and Master Compact with disc drive
DIAGRAM II
- now also available for ARCHIMEDES
Diagram II is a completely new version of Pineapples popular 'Diagram'
drawing software. The new version has a whole host of additional features
which make it into the most powerful and yet quick to use drawing program
available for the BBC micro. The new features mean that 'Diagram Ir can
now be used for all types of drawings, not just circuit diagrams. Scale
drawings are possible and the facilities for producing circles and rubber
banded lines together with the pixel drawing routines make any type of
drawing possible. This advert has been produced completely using Diagram II.
Summary of Diagram II featuress-
1. Works on all model BBC computers and makes use of Shadow memory if poss,
2. Rapid line drawing routines with automatic joins for circuit diagrams.
3. Rubber band line and circle drawing modes.
4. Makes use of the Acorn GXR rom to produce ellipses, arcs, sectors, chords
and flood fill ing.
5. Pixel drawing mode allows very fine detail to be added.
6. Defined areas of screen may be moved, copied, deleted or saved to disc,
7. On-screen cursor position indication allows scale drawings to be made.
8. Keyboard keys may be defined to print User Defined Characters allowing
new charac
9. Uordprocessor
new character sets to be used,
fil ....
s if shadow memory
11. Compatible with Marconi Trackerball and most makes of 'mouse'.
les may be loaded and formatted into defined areas.
10. Up to 880 UDC' s if shadow memory available, 381 without shadow.
12. All ' Diagram Util ities' are included.
13. Completely 'scaleable print routines allow any area of the diagram to be
printed either horizontally or through 90deg. in scales that may be
varied in 1/ steps allowing up to 18 mode 0 screens to be printed on
an A4 sheet (still with readable text).
14. Smooth scrolling over the whole area of the diagram.
Diagram II consists of a set of disc files and a 16k Eprom.
The disc is formatted 48T sideB and 88T side2. Please state if this
is unsuitable for your system, or if you require a 3.5” Compact disc
DIAGRAM II - £55.00+ uat
PIP free
MARCONI TRACKERBALL
For Model ' B 1 and B+ (with Icon Artmaster)
For Master 128 (with Pointer Rom)
Bare Trackerball (no software)
Pointer Rom (available separately)
Trackerball to mouse adapters
Postage and Packing on Trackerballs
£ 60.00
+ vat
£60.00
+ vat
£ 49.00
+ vat
£ 12.50
+ vat
£ 8.00
+ vat
£ 1.75
All orders sent by return
PCB
very rapidly using any model BBC micro i
The program is suppl ied on Eprom and
sides of the board in red and blue eithc
Pineapple's now famous PCB drafting aid produces complex double sided Pea's
— — -i-i ------ anc | any py compatible dot-matrix printer.
_ d uses a mode 1 screen to display the two
... ither separately or superimposed. Component
layout screens are also produced for a silk screen mask.
The print routines allow a separate printout of each side of the board in an
expanded definition high contrast 1:1 or 2:1 scale. The print time is typically
about 5 mins, for a 1:1 print of a 7* ♦ 5* board. This program has too many
superb features to adequately describe here, so please write or 'phone for more
details and sample printouts.
e QCT C\T\ Plotter driver to suit
00. UU + vat most plotters £ 35.88 +vat
PCB AUTO -ROUTING
This brand new addition to the PCB program
increases the power of the software and speeds the
design of PCB' s even more.
A list of up to 190 connections may be entered in
the form of a 'rats nest' and then tne computer does
the rest! You may specify which side of the board
you wish a track to be on or you may leave the
choice to the computer, and you may also say whether
tracks should be allowed to pass between I.C. pins.
The program is in the form of a second Eprom and
full features are available on a standard model' B.'
Please write or 'phone for full details.
COMPLETE AUTOROUTE PACKAGE
(Including manual Eprom)
£ 185.00.
VAT
ADFS Utilities Rom
ADU is an invaluable utility for all ADFS users. It adds over 22 new
♦commands to the ADFS filing system as well as providing an extensive Menu
facility with over 35 sub commands covering areas such as repeated disc
compaction, saving and loading Rom images, auto booting of files and many more.
Copying of DFS discs onto ADFS discs can be made in one pass with automatic
creation of the required directories on the ADFS disc. All functions are fully
compatible with Winchester drives including *BACKUP which allows backing up of
Winchesters onto multiple floppies.
New ♦commands are as follows:- ♦ADU, ♦BACKUP, ♦CATALL, ♦Q-IANGE, *DFSADFS
♦DIRALL, ♦DIRCOPY, •DIRDESTROY, ♦DIRRENAhE, ♦DISCEDIT, ♦DRIL^^^EFIND, ♦FORMAT,
♦KILLADG, ♦LOCK, *MENU, ♦PURGE, ♦PWRBRK, •UNLOCK, ♦VERIFY, ♦(/FORMAT, ♦WIPE
PRICE £ 29.88 ♦ vat
MTTfTVCDTPr — Powerful A.C. & D.C. circuit analyser package - £119.
I 111 L. I Or lvsL. with Graphics output. Send for more details
39 Brownlea Gardens,Seuen Klngs,I If ord, Essex IG3 9NL Tel 01-599 1476
30
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
amazing gang
SCOOP PURCHASE
ELECTRON
COMPUTERS IN
STOCK NOW
£ 59 . 95 ,
Includes power supply, aerial
lead, user free game and 90 day
warranty
FOR THE ELECTRON
1 VIEW ROM
£29r95 1
1 WordProcessor
£14.95 1
1 VIEW SHEET ROM
£29^5 ■
I (Spreadsheet)
£14.95 1
1 BUY BOTH
£22.00 1
“FOR THE BBC
■ VIEW 3.0 ROM C59r8<L £44.95! 1
H VIEWSHEETROM TSOrSO- £44.95! 1
■ VIEWSTORE ROM T59r05- £44.95! 1
VOLTMACE:
Delta 3b Twin Joystick
(For use with Plus 1 or BBC)
m&only£1 7 . 95 !
Lloylron
DATA RECORDERS
SUITABLE FOR THE
ELECTRON
ONLY
£ 19.95
ELECTRON JOYSTICK
Electron Joystick Interface & Software £1 4.95
Quickshot II Turbo Joystick £13.95
BUY BOTH FOR ONLY £25.00!
NEW I ACORNSOFT OVERVIEW
A sophisticated combination of Viewspel I &
Viewstore on Rom Cartridge and
Viewplot, View index and Printer Driver
Generator on Disc
BBC Disc & Rom R.R.P.£98r9e-
OFFER PRICE £78.45
5
a>
Ferguson 12"
Green Screen (MM02)
w
3
z
TO
c
MONITORS
3
a.
z
e
m
only £59a95
CD
€
(Ele or BBC lead supplied FREE!)
RECENT RELEASES
AT SPECIAL PRICES
ACORNSOFT VIEW
PROFESSIONAL
Combines the functions of a wordprocessor
spreadsheet and database in one program.
BBC B, & all Master Series Micros
R R.P.X&9r95~
OFFER PRICE ONLY £79.45
ARCHIMEDES!!
H0VERB0D
£12.95
MISSILE CONTROL
-£44795"
£12.95
MINOTAUR
_-£44 4T
£12.95
VIEW3.0
— £66r3D"
£49.95
ARTISAN
-# 94 r
£34.95
ARTISAN SUPPORT DISC
£17.95
TWIN
-£36745"
£29.95
GRAPHIC WRITER
_£2645 r
£21.95
LOGISTIX
-£446785"
£99.95
ANSIC
-£443^r
£99.95
SYSTEM DELTA PLUS
-£69:95"
£59.95
DELTA BASE
-£24795"
£21.95
W0RDWISE +
—22640"
£18.95
PERSONAL ACCOUNTANT
_£274t85^
£219.95
ZARCH
— £49795"
£17.95
CONQUEROR
—£2445"
£19.95
BBC
BBC
BBC
OR ELE
DISC
COMPACT
Barbarian
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Bonecruncher
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Codename Droid
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Crazee Rider
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Elixir
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Icarus
£7.45
£9.59
-
Imogen*
£7.45
£8.45
£10.95
Impact
£7.95
£9.95
-
Kourtyard
£7.45
£9.59
-
Life Of Repton
£5.50
£6.50
£7.95
Palace Of Magic
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Play It Again Sam
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Quest
£7.45
£9.59
£8.50
Skirmish
£7.45
£9.59
Spellbinder
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Spy Cat
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Spy vs Spy
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
Strykers Run
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
‘BBC ONLY -STATE 40 or 80t
MINI OFFICE II
MASTER 128
£15.95
B/B+ (State 40 or 80t)
-£46785"
£13.95
ROM
JESS 4T
£55.95
W0RDWISE+
£5645'
£43.95
SPELLMASTER
-£5635"
£43.95
INTERWORD
-S564T
£43.95
INTERSHEET
£564*r
£43.95
INTERCHART
£6645"
£43.95
MICROPOWER AND OTHER GAMES
Giroscope
Bandits at 3 O'clock
Escape from Moon Base Alpha
Ghouls
Stock Car
Killer Gorilla
-£646- Rubble Trouble
-£645- Swoop
#r 95r Croaker
£745 - Bumble Bee
£745- Positron
£745- Felix & the Fruit Monsters
47 - 95 - Cybertron Mission
£745-
47 - 95 - Moonraider
£745-
47 ^ 95 - Felix & the Evil Weevils
£645-
4745 - Frenzy
S&&T
£745- Microcosm
-#45-*
; £ 745 - FatmanSam
#45-*
BBC & ELECTRON ANY FIVE FOR ONLY £7.95
*BBC ONLY
EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
BBC/ELE
40/801
COMP
CASS
DISC
Answerback Junior Q
£7.95
£8.75
£9.95
Answerback Senior Q
£7.95
£8.75
£9.95
Identify Europe
£6.35
£6.95
£8.65
Answerback Sport
£7.95
£8.75
£9.95
Happy Writing
-
£8.75
£13.45
Happy Letters
-
£8.75
£13.45
Word Hang
£7.95
£11.95
£13.55
Spelling W. by Week
-
£13.95
£15.85
Words or Pictures
-
£11.45
£13.25
Happy Numbers
£7.95
£11.95
£13.55
Decimals
-
£11.45
£13.25
Angles
-
£11.45
£13.25
BBC ONLY:
French Mistress i
German Master LCVCK3
Italian Tutor A Of B
£7.
.95
per
level
Spanish Tutor
ASK SOFTWARE Ml YRS
The best four language programs (set)
The best four maths programs (set)
BBC/ELE £17.95
BBC DISC £17.95
BBC COMPACT £18.35
BELOW: ANY 2 £3.95
Linkword Spanish
Linkword Italian
Maths ’O’ Level 2
Biology
English
World Geography (BBC only)
European Knowledge
Graphs & Charts
Business Games
Talk Back
Workshop
(CASS ONLY)
COMPILATIONS
BBC/ELE
BBC
BBC
CASS
DISC
COMPACT
ACORNSOFT HITS 1
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
ACORNSOFT HITS 2
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
SUPERIOR COLLI
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
SUPERIOR COLL 2
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
SUPERIOR COLL 3 (Elo)
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
COMPUTER HITS 3
£7.45
£9.59
COMPUTER HITS 4
£7.45
£9.59
5 STAR GAMES 3
£7.45
£9.59
£11.50
PLAY IT AGAIN SAM 2
£7.45
£9.59
* MICRO POWER MAGIC 1
£5.95
£5.95
£7.75
* MICRO POWER MAGIC 2
£5.95
£5.95
£7.75
(* Stale 40 or 801)
Electron Power
Supplies
£9.95
LOGO ROM
Ele Plus 1
or Ml 28
£24.95
Name _
Address
Tel. .
I claim my mystery gift
AU
*BBC COMPATIBLE
SAE for comprehensive price lists
Please state for which machine
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
SOFTWARE BARGAINS
Dept AU8 8/8A Regent St., Chapel Allerton. Leeds LS7 4PE
Tel: (0532) 687735-
Out of Hours Answer Phone
PLEASE ADD 95p P&P
and make cheques
payable to Software Bargains
Goods despatched within 48 Hours
Subject to availability
31
THE NUMBER ONE DISK SUPPLIERS
10 SONY,
, MP2-DD
DISKS
f £18.95
TOP QUALITY DISKS
AT ROCK BOTTOM PRICES
5.25" BULK PACKED-TOP QUALITY
25
50
100
150
250
Single Sided 48T.P.I.
£9.97
£17.58
£30.88
£39.43
£58.43
Single Sided 96T.P.I
£10.21
£18.05
£31.83
£40.85
£59.85
Double Sided 48T.P.I.
£10.45
£18.53
£32.78
£42.75
£62.70
Double Sided 96T.P.I.
£10.93
£19.48
£34.20
£44.18
£66.03
Double Sided Coloured 96T.P.I.
£13.06
£24.46
£46.08
£62.23
£94.76
Double Sided Reversible*
£14.25
£27.08
£47.98
£64.13
£97.38
Coloured & Reversible*
£14.25
£27.08
£47.98
£64.13
£97.38
Coloured Disks come in five colours (Red, Blue, White, Yellow, Green). Reversible disks have two index holes and two notches! Reversible disks work
with 40T or 80T (48T.P.I796T.P.I.) Coloured and reversible disks come in five colours and have two holes and notches. All Centec disks are packed
with a protective jacket (envelope) and come with a full user set, including a label and a write protect tab. The disks are manufactured to top international
standards and have a hub ring for added projection. All disks carry our no quibble replacement guarantee and are certified 100% error free.
HIGH DENSITY DISKS
These disks are made by one of our leading disk manufacturers, and
are packaged in 10 capacity storage boxes. Suitable for PS/2 High
Capacity disk drives and other disk drives which use high capacity
disks.
10 20 40 60 80 100
£39.95 £69.95 £129.95 £189.95 £249.95 £299.95
PC - AT HIGH DENSITY 5.25" DISKS
Made by one of the leading disk manufacturers, these disks are suitable
for the PC - AT and other High Density Disk Drives. Packaged in plastic
library cases, and with a lifetime warranty.
10
£17.95
20
£32.99
40
£62.99
60
£89.99
80 100
£119.99 £139.99
STORAGE
BOXES
Anti-static, two keys,
hinged + dividers
3.50* Lockable - Holds 40 £5.95
3.50' Lockable - Holds 80 £6.95
525‘ Lockable - Holds 50 £5.95
525" Lockable - Holds 100 £6.95
ANY TWO BOXES FOR £1 1 .95 ANY
THREE FOR £14.95
PROFESSIONAL
PRINTER
STAND
This new printer stand is very space effident
as it takes hardly any more room than your
printer. Due to the unique positioning of the
paper guide mechanism and refold
compartments that is one above the other,
the desk space is effectively halved. The
space saving design allows easy access to
the paper from both sides, the special dial
controlled paper feed system with adjustable
deflector plates ensures smooth paper flow
and automatic refolding.
80 Col £19.95
JUDGE FOR
YOURSELVES
Youll be guilty of paying
more & getting less if
you go elsewhere
STORAGE BOXES
NEW RANGE
3.50” Lockable - Holds 1 00 £7.95
3.5" 120 capacity lockable £8.95
5.25" 140 capacity lockable £8.95
any two for £13.99
any three for £19.99
ALL BOXES ARE ANTI-STATIC
AND COME WITH LOCK, 2 KEYS AND
HINGED UD
THE FAMOUS CENTEC
DISK & BOX OFFER!
We can be copied on style but not on quality and Price!
3.5 H
3.5* DS/DO 80 Disks
& 80 Capatity Box-£69.95
3.5" DS/DO 40 Disks
& 40 Capadty Box-£39.95
5 25**
5.25' DS/DO 100 Disks
& 100 Capacity Box-C 29.95
5.25* DS/DO 50 Disks
& 50 Capacity Box-£19.95
3.5” TOP QUALITY BULK PACKED DISKS
10
25
50
100
150
200
Single Sided 135T.P.I. £9.49
£22.95
£41.95
£79.95
£116.95
£154.95
Double Sided 135T.P.I. £9.95
£24.95
£43.95
£81.95
£119.95
£158.95
Rainbow Pack of five colours - -=*
tf! New Lower Prices
Single Sided 135T.P.I. £12.49
£23.95
£46.95
£91.95
£129.95
£169.95
Double Sided 135T.P.I £14.49
£26.95
£52.95
£98.95
£145.95
£189.95
Rainbow disks come in Blue, Red, Green, Yenow and Orange
All discs are supplied with labels and are certified 100% error free
BBC Printer Cable £5.95
Archimedes Printer Cable £6.96
Disk Notcher ....£4.95
525* Fluid based
cleaning kit £4.96
3.5“ Fluid based
cleaning kl £4.96
Mini Vac for prirters/
keytxjards £4.96
Mouse Mat £4.95
SAME DAY
DESPATCH
E. & O.E.
CENTEC DISK SUPPLIES
UNIT 3, THE METRO CENTRE, BRIDGE ROAD, ORPINGTON, KENT BR5 2BE
TEL: (0689) 35353 (6 Lines) (24 Hours) Fax: 0689 77737
Please note we operate a call stacking system. Outside office hours a telephone answering machine will take your order.
Remember - all prices include VAT and delivery (UK only). There are no hidden extras to pay! Personal callers welcome: Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm
32
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
BRAINS OFT LTD FOF? THE BBC SERIES AND
ARC DESKTOP + TRANSFER SOFTWARE.
This software Is an enhanced desktop for the Archimedes ((C) Acorn ccnputer Ltd) , and has the following functlons:-
SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR, A 30 function scientific calculator with a facility for number conversions.
CIPCK, A clock with a difference ! . Big ben digitised and Incorporated In the archlmedes desktop.
DIARY, Same design and function as Acorns standard diary.
NOTEPAD, An Improved version of Acorns notepad, with direct pointer driven Input.
PALETTE, A Palette of the same design as the Acorn Palette.
BBC CONVERTOR, This program blends into the desktop, when a RS232 lead has been connected between the BBC and the
Archimedes select the 5.25* disk Icon and a window showing the files on the BBC B disk drive appears on the
TO load files just select them with a mouse (as many as you want) , and from the desktop menu select load to make the
files transfer automatically frcm the BBC to the archlmedes. The baud rate is set at 19200 baud although any speed can
be used, the Convertor is Intelligent and recognises automatically the file types contained on the BBC’s disk drive.
EDITOR, This Is an optional facility for editing source text files for compilers (FORTRAN, C, PASCAL etc), to work it must be used on at least a 310 (this Is not a disadvantage
as none of the compilers are able to work on a 305). This advanced program blends fully Into the desktop envlrcment, and is very user friendly and Intuitive in Its use, the maximum
text size is 2000 lines. The files produced are compatible with twin, it Is entirely WIMP driven and needs no control /function keys.
The basic editor functions included are string search, search and replace, load, save, merge, print, clear.
“This kit from Bralnaoft can ba thoroughly raconunadad- from ravlaw la Archly smgailna Dac»-*>ar 1987.
c SIDEWAYS RAM
C BRAIMSOru 32K BULL TUI BIST VXLUK
a ID SHITS RAH TOR Tfll BBC RANCI.
E ,
3
J
3
E
E
E
E
:
•Uses latest technology.
•32K of ran In a size no
larger than a me H.
•No soldering required the
two leads clip cm.
•Takes up only one sideways
ran socket.
•Does not use user port but
uses 4FE30 register.
•tow power consumption.
Incompatible with ran boards except Peart roe *0000.
3
J
3
3
:
E
BRAXNSOTT3 16K COKPATIBLR WITH MOST
PCM BOARDS.
E
E
E
This nodule has been tested with the following boards
ATPL. Watford, and Peartree KR3000.
This nodule has the sane construction of the 32K nodule
but l» minus the bank select line.
Writ* protect switch
At little extra cost a write protect switch can be added to
a ncxtule rfilch allows “protected* software to be loaded.
JCTE: It Is Illegal to orpy or pirate software.
All the above are guaranteed for 1 yr. Please state cccruter.
3
3
3
3
SOFTWARE
SIDEWAYS RAM UTILITIES BBC B.Be, MASTER
Now Version 3 with AM'S and APB ! !
-MENU DRIVEN SOFTWARE this sel/tts RAM LOAD, RAMSAVF., RAM LI ST. PRINTER
BUFFER, or PROCRAmERS UTILITIES.
-ADVANCED PRINTER BUFFER provides the user with up to an extra (3K of buffer space.
Wrlch allows the user to continue using WOftDMISE-PLUS. VIEW or BASIC whilst the
printer Is prilling.
-PR0GRAKCR5 UTILITIES are a collection of 25 utilities Including a full-screen-
nosory editor, all variables clear, program relocation, program compaction,
program repairer, roa list, ro* enable, roa disable, roa status, speed control,
oogxitcr status, string search, variable list, vector list, clone all f 1 leas, list of
the currently active variables, key lead, keysave. program comparison with a file
held on disk, ran save, and screen contact lon/uncanpact Ion which can pack
a node 0 screen In less than IK of disk space.
-ADVANCED ROM FILING SYSTEM provides the user with fast access to programs and
data, so fast that It can load a 2 OR program quicker than the BBC’s CLS caosand takes
to dear the amory. The AM'S Is capable of storing fllee longer than 32K In length, the
asxnt of file space Is limited to the ntsaber of sideways ram the user has, the nrnber of
files, length of names being limited by only the ram size. The ARTS when enabled by
•RTS acts like a disk Interface allowing saves and deletions, as well as loading, many
programs whlth use ’legal* disk calls are coqpa tibia.
Also provided on the disk are three BASIC programs which can be easily adapted to n*»
on NETWORK system, ramload, ramsave and rami 1st.
Provided with the sideways ram Utilities is a 12 page Instruction book, the software Is
supplied on a LOT disk with I0T conversion software.
PRICI LIST 1ST QTR 88
16K MODULI JUST 114
32K. KDULX £ 14.5
WRITE PROTECT SWITCH £2
SIDEWAYS SOFTWARE 16
8 IDEWATS SOFTWARE
ORDERED WITH A MODULE13
62256LP- 12 RAM CHIP 111
2+OFF 62256LP-12 110
ARCHIMEDES SOFTWARE
LEAD CHLY £8
SOFTWARE ONLY £8
SOFTWARE ♦ EDITOR £13
LEAD ♦ SOFTWARE £14
LEAD ♦ SOFTWARE+EDIT lift
PRICES CIVEN FULLY
IMCLUSIVE HO EXTRA COSTS .
EDUCATIONAL ORDERS RCCEPTED
DISCOUNTS 6IPEN FOB QUANTITY
3RAINS0FT LTD
22 3AKEP. ST.
LONDON WIM IDF.
TELEPHONE 01-4860321
FILEMAN
A COMPREHENSIVE FILE
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
- available on B, B + Master, Compact and
Archimedes
The creation, interrogation and updating of
random access files.
The generation of new files from existing FILEMAN
Files.
The sorting of files on up to four key fields.
The classification of data In any field and the
analysis of numeric data.
The display of classified data in pictorial form,
e.g. pie chart, bar chart, normal and cumulative
frequency curve.
Plotting of individual records (not available
on BBC B)
6 .
Ideal for GCSE project work.
FILEMAN DATABASE CAN BE ADAPTED BY US, TO
SUIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS.
Other products include: School Profiles,
Accounts Packages and developments
For the Concept Keyboard
WE OFFER:
Reliable personal service
Full support and training courses
Competitive prices for BBC hardware, software &
peripherals
WE ARE:
Educational and small business computing consultants
TRAFFORD COMPUTING
7 TRAFFORD ROAD, ALDERLEY EDGE, CHESHIRE SK9 7 NT. TEL: 0625 583686
ACORN USF.R AUGUST 1988
33
I I II 1 1 i ll i-H-H I I I I 11 I l - H -i-t 1-1 1 I l- H - H II I I I 11 I I II II II I I II I I I I I II I III II I i 111 I II I 111 III I I I I I \
TECHNOMATIC
Burnley Road, London NW10 1 ED Tel: 0 1-208 1177 Fax: 01-452 1500
305 Ed » ware Road, London VV 2 Tel: 0 1 -723 0233 Telex: 922800 J
ARCHIMEDES, BBC COMPUTERS & ECONET REFERRALCENTRE
300 & 400 SERIES
Archimedes 305 Basic
Archimedes 310 Basic
Archimedes 440 Basic
Acorn Mono Monitor*
Acorn Colour Monitor*
Philips CM8833 Col Monitor*
PC Emulator Software*
'Prices applicable only when purchased with the computer
ADD-ONS
0.5Mb Ram upgrade kit (for 305)
2nd Floppy Drive (305, 310)
Backplane for 2 podules
I/O Podule
20Mb Hard disc + podule
Acorn ROM Podule
CC ROM Podule
Midi Addon to I/O
Midi Expansion Card
Econct Network Module
Archimedes Printer Lead
Archimedes Colour Monitor Lead
IEEE Interface Podule
£699(a)
£775(a)
$2, 529(a)
£60(a)
£220(a)
£210(a)
£60(b)
£144(b)
£1 18(b)
£37(c)
£80(c)
£469(a)
£55(c)
£45(c)
£37(c)
£66(c)
£43(d)
£7(d)
£7.50(d)
£283(b)
(Full implementation of IEEE 488 & 488 A) Spec on request
Armadillo Sound Sampler
Fourier Transform Software
£105(b)
£40(d)
£25(d)
£30(d)
£104(b)
£29(b)
£12(d)
£99(d)
£95(c)
£95(c)
POA
£29(d)
£41(d)
POA
POA
ARC/BBC Serial Link
ARC External Drive Adaptor
External 5.25 Drive
BOOKS: (no VAT)
Arc. Ref Manual
ARM Assy Lang Prog
SOFTWARE:
PC Emulator Version 1 .20
( includes MS-DOS 3.2)
LANGUAGES:
ANSIC £95(c) ISO PASCAL
Prolog X £181(b) FORTRAN 77
LISP £181(b) COMAL
PROGRAMMERS TOOLS:
TWIN Editor
Toolkit Plus Module
Software DevT/Box
Software Dev Debug T/box
WORDPROCESSORS
First Word Plus £79(d) VicwSKM31(e)
Graphics Writer £27(d) Interword (e)
PipeDream £99(d) Wordwise +
SPREADSHEETS
Logistix
(Includes spreadsheet/database/timesheets/graphics)
Matrix 3D
(3 Dimensional s/sheet with 19k col , 10k row & 100 pages)
Sigmashcet £59(d) VicwsheetSKM7(e) £47(d)
Intersheet (e) £35(d)
GAMES:
Zarch £17(d) Minotaur £ll(d)
Software packages marked with (e) run under 6502 emulated mode.
Please check on availability of some of the above
packages
ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
Minerva’s suite 5 Modules (ea) £54(d)
Order Processing, SalcsLedger, StockManagcr, Purchase Ledger
& Nominal Ledger
£47(d)
£35(d)
£20(d)
£95(d)
£159(c)
Special Offer
FREE £115 iiic vat VOUCHER
with every Archimedes model 310 and
440 purchased from us.
The voucher can be redeemed against
any future purchase from us (inc Arc
monitor, PC Emulator (at £60) , discs,
cables, paper etc.)
Additionally we will offer discounts
upto 10% on Archimedes software and
5% on Archimedes hardware stocked
by us.
GRAPHICS/ART/CARD
Artisan £30(d) GammaPlot £30(d)
Artisan Support £17(d) System GammaPlus £59(d)
Autosketch £69(d) Interchart (e) £25(d)
Presenter £24(d)
(Allows importing of text into First Word+)
DATABASES
Dcltabase £26(d) ViewstoreSKM07(e) £47(d)
System DeltaT £57(c) Alphabase £39(d)
Prog Ref Guide £26(c)
Support modules for System Delta Plus each £35(d)
CC MEGA 3
(incl. Interword/sheet/chart) (e) £82(c)
FILE STORE
Acorn’s new file server system
Filestore E01
Filestore E02
Full details on request
£825(a)
£699(a)
ECONET ACCESSORIES
Econct Starter Kit £85(b)
Econet Socket Set £29(c)
File Server Level II £75(b)
Master FS Utility Disc £I7.25(d)
Econet Bridge
Printer Server Rom
10 Station Lead Set
£174(b)
£4t(d)
£26(d)
ECOEINK
Ecolink allows you to connect a PC/XT or AT to
an econct network. Supplied complete with
comprehensive manual, software and cable.
Full spec on request £299(b)
y
To be launched soon
The most comprehensive CAD system for
the Master. Host of innovative features for
creating complex drawings, peb layouts,
sketches etc. Virtually no restrictions on
drawing sizes. On screen scaling for plotters,
variety of screen dumps for compatible
printers.
FREE
evaluation disc available to any educational
establishment. A handling charge of £3 for
others. The disc contains operating
instructions and will perform as release
version except for file functions.
MASTER SERIES
AMB15 Master 128K £356(a)
Includes free Educational/Fun software bundle from BBC
Publications range (RRP £40) and a STARdataBASE package
worth another £40.
ADC06 Turbo 65C102 Module £1 15(b)
ADC08 512 processor £99(b)
includes MS-DOS and GEM Suite
ADF10 Econet Module £40(c) Acorn Rom Cartridge £13<d)
ADJ22 Ref Manual I £14(c) ADJ23RefManuaIII £14(c)
View User Guide £8.50(d) V/sheet User Guide £8.50(d)
TRC2 ROM Cart £7.50(d) TRC44ROM Cartridge £U(d)
TRC3232K RAM Cart. £21(d) Master Dust Cover £4.75(d)
Acorn 32016 Co Processor £949(a)
Acorn X25 Gateway £2175(a)
Acorn IEEE Interface (forB, B+ Master) £265(b)
Universal CoProc Adapter £49(b)
BBC Domesday System £3,750(2 X a)
Send for detailed list of DOS software for 512
MASTER SUMMER SPECIAL
Master AMB154-512 Co-Processor
for only
£420(a)
(Allow £5 extra if you would like us to fit the card for you)
512 upgrade includes
80186 processor with 512K RAM,
DOS4-, GEM Suite (Desk Top,
Paint & Write) and Mouse
This offer valid while stocks last.
Ask for our list of DOS software compatible with 512.
MASTER COMPACT
All Compact systems come complete with 128K of
RAM, 640K 3.5" double sided drive and
educational software. Additionally we include our
Education/Fun software bundle to the package.
SYSTEM 1 Entry system £310(a)
SYSTEM 2 with 12" Hi Res Mono
Monitor £365 (2xa)
SYSTEM 3 with 14" Med Res Col Monitor
£475 (2xa)
Compact 2nd Drive Kit £90(c)
Serial Kit £25(d)
TV Modulator £26(c)
Mcrtec Adapter £35(c)
(upgrades Compact to almost Master level)
External Drive adapter Cable £9(d)
UPGRADE KITS
1.20S ROM
DNFSROM
BASIC II ROM
£15(d) ADFS ROM
£ 19(d) 1770 DFS Kit
£22.50(d) Econet Kit
am
£49(d)
£55(d)
EPROMS/RAMS
2764-25, 27128-25 (12.5V Vpp), 27128-25
(21 .OV Vpp), 6264LP-15, 27256, 27512
All prices on application
RAM/ROM EXPANSION
ATPL Board for Model B. Simple
to instal, no soldering. Allows
expansion to 15 Roms +2*8K RAMS
ATPL Battery backup kit
ATPL Board for BBC+ (10 Roms)
£37(c)
£18(d)
£31(c)
AH prices ex VAT and subject to change without notice.
1 1 ii r ti-r 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 ii 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 rr r
i-
m i MM i MMirrm-H -i-M-i mim -
Technomatic
17 Burnlev Road, London NYV10 1 ED Tel: 01-20S 1 177
TECHNOMATIC DISC DRIVES
TS 400
A range of high quality high performance drives to meet the needs of all BBC Micro Users.
All drives fitted with high quality, slim line Mitsubishi drive mechanism and necessary cables.
* All drives are fitted with high quality slim line ultra low power mechanisms capable of single and double
density operation and offering fast track access and head setting times. Our confidence in their quality
enables us to offer a two year parts and labour warranty on these mechanisms without any extra charge.
*5.25" floppy drives are fitted with 40/80 track switches as standard at no extra cost. The switches are
located in the front and clearly marked to indicate the status at a glance.
'The mechanisms are set inside attractively styled, sturdy metal casings painted in BBC beige colour.
* All drives fitted with all necessary leads and are ready for operation on unpacking. The drives with the
mains power supply are supplied with a mains lead fitted with a suitably fused 13A moulded plug.
'TECHNOMATIC drives stand out from other drives because of the high quality of construction and use of
reliable switchmode power supply units on dual drives.
5.25" Single Drives 40/80 switchable:
TS400 400K/640K
PS400 400K/640K with integral
mains power supply
5.25" Dual Drives 40/80 switchable:
TD800 800K/1280K
PD800 800K/1280K with
integral mains power supply
£90(b)
£101(b)
£170(a)
£190(a)
PS351 single 400K/640K with
integral mains power supply
TD352 Dual 800K/1280K
£85(b)
£126(b)
PD800P 800K/1280K with
integral mainspower supply and
monitor stand
PD 800P
3.5" 80T DS Drives:
TS351 single 400K/640K
£209(a)
£69(b)
PD352 Dual 800K/1280K with
integral mains power supply
Combo Drives (5.25" & 3.5" drives)
PD853 with integral psu
PD853P with integral psu
DISC DRIVE MULTIPLEXER
see page 5 of this ad for details
For Master t B, B+ and any DFS/ADFS
TDM2 Two computers/onc drive unit
TDM4 Four computers/one drive unit
£149(b)
£175(a)
£195(a)
£65(b)
£1 15(b)
TECHNOMATIC W INCHESTERS
=:
Technomatic offer the most popular range of
Winchester drives for BBC micro systems at
competitive prices. The drives are fully
compatible with Acorn ADFS system. Fan cooled
switch mode power supply ensure efficient and
reliable operation. Combination of floppy and
winchester drives in our elegant plinth housing
provides an ideal solution for need to have large
storage and ease of transferring data to floppies.
P20HD TECHNOMATIC 20 Mbyte
Winchester Drive
P30HD 30Mb Winchester Drive
P40HD TECHNOMATIC 40 Mbyte
Winchester Drive with Acorn
ADFS ROM
£419(a)
£435(a)
TFC10 10 Mbyte Pre-formatted
Cartridge for use with P2041HT
andTSlO.
£21(d)
£669(a)
Technomatic front end utility for the Master
supplied with the winchesters at no extra cost
provides an easy and efficient file management
system. The entire contents of the drive arc
displayed on the screen on boot up, each file or
directory appearing as an icon. The icon type
indicates whether directory or file and type of data
if latter.
P204HP TECHNOMATIC 20 Mbyte
Winchester and a 80T DS floppy Drive
built in a monitor stand.
Includes ADFS Rom.
Technomatic Winchesters can be adapted to
operate with the SJ Research FileServer by
internal modification. However this must be
specified at the time of ordering otherwise the
drive has to be returned to us for modification.
£609(a)
Adaptor for SJ FileServer
£28
P2041HT As P204HP but also with a
10 Mbyte tape streamer backup unit
and backup utilities.
Includes ADFS Rom.
£1179(a)
WINCHESTER Drive Multiplexer
These units let you share aWinches-
ter drive between a number of com-
puters. Full details on request.
Larger capacity drives available on request.
TS10 10 Mbyte Tape Streamer
Backup unit with utilities.
£546(a)
TWM2 for two computers.
TWM4 for four Computers.
£99 (b)
£149 (b)
Following the great success enjoyed by our P20HD unit,
we are pleased to announce the launch of P30HD - a 30Mbyte
hard drive. This drive is also supplied with the free front end utility
for the Master. £435(a)
ItlH.K DISCS
3M FLOPPY DISCS
5.25" Discs in packs of 10
74440TSS DD £6.75(d)
74540TDSDD £9.75(d)
74680TSSDD £12.00(d)
74780TDSDD £12.75(d)
3.5" Discs in packs of 10
80TSSDD £13.50(d)
80TDSDD £15.00(d)
(Add £1 for library case packing)
50 5.25" 40 T single sided discs with sleeves
in lockable box. £25(b)
50 5.25" 80 T double sided discs with sleeves
in lockable box. £32(b)
50 3.5" 80T double sided discs with sleeves
in lockable box. £60(b)
FLOPPICLENE DRIVE HEAD
CLEANING KIT
5.25" Kit with 20 disposable discs
3.5" Kit with 20 disposable discs
£14.00(d)
£14.75(d)
DISC STORAGE BOXES
DB340 Lockable 40 x 3.5"
DB550 Lockable 50 x 5.25"
DB570 Lockable 70x5.25"
DB5100 Lockable 100 x 5.25"
£8.50(c)
£6.50(c)
£8.50(c)
£10. 50(c)
±t
-L-L-Ll I I I l_l . I I I I I I I I I I I I I _L1_U_U-
All prices ex VAT and subject to change without notice.
tttl-t-H-l i 1111 1111 1 1 11 1 11 1 11 1
rrm r i n i iii i iirifiTTTT
Technomatic
305 Kdgwarc Road, London \\ 2 Tel: 01-723 0233
PRINTERS
EPSON
£179(a) LQ500
£309(a) LQ850
£405(a) LQ1050
£409(a) LQ2500+
£549(a)
GQ3500 Laser Printer £1249(a)
Taxan KP815 £159(a) TaxanKP915 £275(a)
LX800
FX800
FX1000
EX800
EX1000
£279(a)
£419(a)
£589(a)
£849(a)
Star LC 10
Star LC 10 Colour
£175(a)
£229(a)
NATIONAL PANASONIC
KXP1081* £145(a) KXP1082* £172(a)
(* includes Wysiwyg ROM + Master Lead)
KXP3131 with 38K buffer
Canon PW1080
Canon Laser LBP8-II
Brother HR20 Daisy Wheel
Juki 6100 Daisy Wheel
Integrex Colour Inkjet
£245(a)
£179(a)
£1595(a)
£349(a)
£295(a)
£515(a)
PLOTTERS
Hitachi 672XD A3 4 Colour HPGL £499(a)
Plotmate A4S £379(a)
Plotmate A3M £549(a)
Roland 880 A3 Flat bed 8 col £599(a)
Variety of Plotter pens and accessories in stock.
Larger Plotters available . Please enquire.
EPSON EQ500
Epson’s budget 24pin letter quality printer pro-
vides unrivalled print quality with two built in
letter quality fonts and widest repertoire of type
styles at low cost. Sans Serif and Roman or draft
font can be selected from the front panel.
Maximum resolution of 360 x 180 dpi.
Friction and tractor as standard. Parallel interfa-
ce. Designed for low noise operation 55dB(A).
Introductory price incl. master lead £279(a)
l.PSON I.X800
Epson’s latest budget printer offers a host of new
features all utilising Epson’s unrivalled knowhow
of printer technology and reliability.
★ 180 cps draft/25cps NLQ ★ two modern fonts as
std: Sans Serif and ROMAN. NLQ font selection
from front panel ★ Tractor and friction feed
★ Single sheet guide with auto load switch.
Original + 2 copies.
★ 3K input buffer with character downloading
facility
★ Fully compatible with BBC & IBM graphics
★ Centronics interface as standard
★ Price including BBC master lead £179(a)
PRINTER STAND
A new style printer stand with easy paper feed and
paper seperation, provides complete access to
paper. Can be used with both top and bottom
paper feed. Very space efficient. £26 (b)
PRINTER Bi l l I RS
SHARER <X CONVERTERS
TSB 256 Auto Sharer/Buffer
256K buffer with 3 input ports. Each port
scanned automatically every 10 secs until data
found. PAUSE, COPY and RESET Facitilies.
Full spec on request.
Smart Printer Buffers
Facilities include: COPY upto 265 copies
PAUSE, RESET, Self-Test.
For serial: X-on/X-off, ETX/ACK or DTR/DTS
protocols independently selectable baud rate
for each port
PP256256K Parallel buffer
SS256256K Serial buffer
Parallel Multi-Spoolers
Allows connecting 2 printers to 2 or 4 computers
Butter allows quick dumping of data to free the
computers
COPY allows upto 999 copies, SELF-TEST,
PAUSE, CLEAR
MS422 4computers/2printers 5 12K buffer
MS223 2computers/2 printers 5 12K butter
Auto switching Printer Sharers
Allows 2, 4 or 8 computers to share 1 printer
Auto Self Test, READY and BUSY indicators
£169(a)
£169(b)
£ 1 89( b)
£299(b)
£199(b)
Parallel
Serial
2 input/1 output
£49
£49(c)
4 input/1 output
£59
£69(0
8 input/1 output
All units Pitted with 25D Connectors
Serial/Parallel/Serial Converters
£85
£85(c)
Compact economical converters which
support X-on/X-off, ETX/ACK,
protocols
DTR/DSR
C-PS Parallel/Serial converter
£35(c)
C-SP Serial Parallel converter
£35(0
Add £49 to above prices for units with 64K butter
Manual Printer Sharers:
(All lines are switched).
Parallel
Serial
2 computers to one printer
£25(0
£25(0
3 computers to one printer
£39(0
£39(0
4 computers to one printer
£45(0
£45(0
2 computers to lor 2 printers
£49(0
£49(c)
£12(£3.50)
£18.50(£4.50)
£I8.00(£4.00)
Cable sets for above sharers available for all popular computers
BBC Computer Sharer: TCS26
1 computer to 2 printers fitted with BBC cable
Paper & Labels
Plain fanfold paper with microperforation:
2000 sheets 9Vi x 11"
2000sheets 14V4X1P
1500 sheets A490gsm
Labels/1000
Single Row 3^ x l 7 /i6
Triple Row 2 7 /i6 x 7 /i6
OHP Transparencies A4
PRINTER LEADS
BBC/Master Parallel Lead ( 1 .2M)
BBC/Master Parallel Lead (2.0M)
Compact Parallel Lead (1.2M)
Archimides Parallel Lead (2M)
£ 21(0
£5(d)
£5(d)
£55(b)
£5(d)
£7(d)
£7(d)
£7(d)
MODEMS
MIRACLE WS4000 V21/23
MIRACLE WS3000 V21/23
MIRACLE WS3000 V22
MIRACLE WS3000 V22 bis
Pace Linnet
(All modems are BABT approved)
£1 29(b)
£244(b)
£379(b)
£495(b)
£139(b)
BBC Data Cabfe for WS3000/4000
£10(d)
MIRACLE WS2000V21/23 & BELL stds £92(c)
MONITORS
All Monitors supplied with a suitable lead.
12", 14" and 20" MONITORS
£179(a)
£199(a)
£225(a)
£255(a)
£359(a)
£219(a)
£149(a)
and PC
Microvitec 1431
Std Res, 14"
Microvitec 1431AP
Std Res + PAL/Aud, 14"
Microvitec 1451
Med Res, 14"
Microvitec 145 1AP
Med Res + PAL/Aud, 14"
Microvitec 1441
Hi Res, 14"
Philips 8833 14" RGB
Med Res, 14", high contract screen,
TTL/Linear Input, Mono/Colour
Switch Sound Input. Separate
controls for brilliance and
contrast. This is the monitor used by
Acorn with Archimedes and Compact
Computers.
Sanyo CRT 70
14" High Resolution Colour Monitor
Compatible with Master , B, Compact ,
compatibles
Microvitec 2030CS
20" Standard Resolution RGB/
Comp Video
Microvitec 2040CS
20" High Resolution RGB/Comp
Video
TAXAN SUPER VISION 620
12" Hi Res/Hi Contrast Option to
switch to green/amber BBC/IBM
Compatible
TAXAN SUPER VISION 625
12" Super Hi Res and contrast RGB
Monitor with option to switch to
mono BBC/IBM compatible.
TAXAN 770+
MultiSysnc Autoscan 14", ideal for
utilising the hi res modes on
Archimedes. Our price includes a
tilt & swivel stand
NEC MultiSync II 14"
Enhanced version of the original NEC MultiSync.
complete with tilt & swivel base. Suitable for
Archimedes and PC compatibles. £489(a)
£380(a)
£675(a)
£269(a)
£319(a)
£495(a)
MONOCHROME MONITORS
*■
PHILIPS 7552
14" green screen monitor.
This is a new addition to the Philips’ popular
mono monitors. Features include Flat screen,
Reverse video switch, separate brilliance and
contrast controls £85(a)
PHILIPS BM 7502
Hi Res green screen £7 2(a)
PHILIPS BM 7522
Hi Res amber screen £79(a)
Tilt & Swivel Stand for
Philips Mono £6(c)
MONITOR ACCESSORIES
Microvitec Swivel Base
(14" plastic monitors)
Monitor Stand Models B & B +
Monitor Stand Master
Double Tier Stand Models B ,
B+ or Master
Taxan RGB Lead
Microvitec Lead
Monochrome BNC/Phono Lead
Copy Holder Self Supporting A4
£17(0
£ 10(0
£13(0
£24(b)
£7(d)
£4(d)
£4(d)
£15(0
T_
4-14-44-14-14-14 - m I I I I TT I - I-I-14-U4-
All prices ex VAT and subject to change without notice.
M I M I l i l M I I I 111 I I I I 1 1 1TTTT
3-
Technomatic
17 Burnley Road, London NW 10 1 ED I el: 01-208 1 177
C A D / D R A W 1 N G PACKAGES
NOVACAD
Cad Package for B, B & MASTER.
(See page 5 for specification)
Tracker Ball/Mouse Version (TM)
£49 (d)
TM Version plus Tracker Ball
£94 (d)
TM Version plus Mouse
£79 (d)
Plotter Driver Generator
£15 (d)
If purchased with No vac ad
£12 (d)
MOUSE
AMX MOUSE with SUPER ART
(pse specify B, B+ or Master)
£59 (d)
STOP PRESS (Pagemaker)
£32 (d)
EXTRA/EXTRA
(utility for the Pagemaker)
£ 19(d)
MAX
£17 (d)
STAND ALONE MOUSE
£34 (c)
RB2 TRACKER BALL
RB2 Tracker Ball with Icon Master
(forB, B+ & Master)
RB2 Tracker Ball with Cursor
£59 (c)
Control Rom (for Master only)
£59 (c)
RB2 Tracker Ball ‘Stand Alone’
for use with NOVACAD &
other software)
£47 (c)
Cursor Control Rom for Master £12.50 (d)
MIRRORSOFT FLEET
STREET EDITOR
£35 (d)
TIM K WARI*
Real Time Clock, Plugs into the
user port, battery back up as
standard, includes manual, demo
software including a diary/planner
application program
£29(d)
BBC SOFT/FIRMWARE
DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
VIEWSTORE
STARdataBASE
MASTERFILE II
ACORN OVERVIEW PACKAGE
Special Offer
(RRP £86)
INTERBASE
£36 (d)
£39 (d)
£17 (d)
£69 (b)
£49 (d)
WORD PROCESSORS
ACORN VIEW PROFESSIONAL (BBC
) £69 (c)
VIEW 2.1
£35 (d)
VIEW 3.0
£45 (c)
Double View Rom Version
Double View Disc Version
(for Master & Compact)
£42 (d)
£33 (d)
VIEW INDEX
VIEW PRINTER DRIVER
£12 (d)
GENERATOR
£8(d)
VIEWSPELL
£29 (d)
DOT PRINT PLUS
£28 (d)
WORDWISE
£24 (d)
WORDWISE PLUS
£38 (d)
WYSIWYG PLUS
£21 (d)
SPELLMASTER
£42 (d)
INTERWORD
£36 (d)
WORDEASE
£24 (d)
SPELLCHECK III
£31 (d)
EDWORD II
r ------ ~
4 -
£43 ( C )
SPREADSHEETS
VIEWSHEET
WINDOMATIC (A Viewsheet Utility)
VIEWPLOT
INTERSHEET
INTERCHART
ULTRACALC
MINI OFFICE II DISC Version
ForB&B+ 40T or 80T
For Master 80T
For Compact
MINI OFFICE II ROM Version
For Master, Compact, B + & B
MEGA 3Rom
CC’s integrated package offering
Intershect & Interchart on one 128K
Master, Compact, B+ & B
£36 (d)
£15 (d)
£22 (d)
£37 (d)
£25 (d)
£26 (d)
£14 (d)
£16 (d)
£19 (d)
£43 (c)
£76 (b)
Interword,
ROM. For
LANGUAGES
META ASSEMBLER
£145 (b)
TEAM DISASSEMBLER
£145 (b)
MACROM
£33 (d)
ACORNSOFF 4 C’
£40 (c)
ACORN MICRO PROLOG
£62 (d)
ISO-PASCAL
£51 (c)
ISO-PASCAL STAND ALONE
GENERATOR
£30 (d)
OXFORD PASCAL
(40 or 80T) Specify B or B +
£36 (d)
OXFORD PASCAL
for Masicr
£52 (d)
ACORN LOGO
£46 (c)
LOGOTRON LOGO
£55 (c)
BBC PUBLICATIONS OPEN LOGO
£59 (c)
ACORN LISP ROM
£39 (d)
ACORN FORTH ROM
£39 (d)
ACORN COMAL ROM
£39 (d)
Advanced BASIC Disc
£26 (d)
(for B, B+ & Master + 6502 2nd Processor)
MICROTEXT
£52 (c)
MICROTEXT PLUS
£229 (b)
COMMUNICATIONS
TERMULATOR
£25 (d)
COMMSTAR II
£28 (d)
MAYA Comms Package lUtt.
See next page for details
£49 (d)
MODEM MASTER
£11 (d)
COMMAND
£34 (d)
MASTER TERMULATOR £
34.75 (d)
UTILITIES
ACORN ADFS ROM
£26 (d)
ACORN BASIC EDITOR
£24 (d)
MONITOR (BBC Pub)
£19 (d)
SLEUTH
£23 (d)
TOOLKIT PLUS
£31 (d)
TOOLBOX 2 (BBC Pub) Manual
£9.50 (d)
Cassette
£9 (d)
ACORN GXR GRAPHICS ROM
specify B or B +
£24(d)
PRINTMASTER
£24 (d)
PRINTWISE
£24 fd)
DUMPMASTER
£26 (d)
FONTWISE PLUS
£17 (d)
ADV TELETEXT UTILITIES ROM
£7.95 (d)
COMPACT (all on 3'/2 w disc)
ARTROOM
£27 (d)
FONTWISE +
£22 (d)
FONT EDITOR
£22 (d)
BETABASE
£27 (d)
WHITE KNIGHT MKII
-_U, 1 1 1 LI. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 l l l i i i i i
£16 (d)
LLI 1 1 1
BBC PUBLICATIONS
EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
A series of programs developed in many cases along-
side Radio & TV programmes by BBC’s Education
Department which supplement the classroom studies
by moving and colourful displays helping in clear
understanding of a variety of subjects. Some packages
also include audio cassettes.
PRIMARY EDUCATION
ASTRONOMY £11 (d)
COMPUTERS AT WORK Aud/EC/disc£16 (c)
PICTURE CRAFT Disc£17 (d)
INTRODUCING GEOGRAPHY Disc£16 (d)
MATHS WITH A STORY 1 Cass£8 (d)
MATHS WITH A STORY 2 Cass£8 (d)
NUMBER GAMES Cass/EC£7.50 (d)
USING YOUR COMPUTER Cass£24 (c)
THE HALL OF MIRRORS Disc£13(d)
MATHS Disc+AudCas£17(d)
SECONDARY LEARNING
£21.50 (c)
£10.50 (d)
Disc£23 (d)
Disc£17 (d)
Prog Cass£10 (d)
Audio Cass£5 (d)
TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN Ptl
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ADVANCED LEVEL
STUDIES: STATISTICS
ADVANCED STUDIES:
GEOGRAPHY
INSIDE INFORMATION
Book£8-(d)
OPEN LEARNING
PACK Disc/AudCas+book£36(b)
SCIENCE TOPICS (ST)
S.T.:WAVES
S.T. RELATIONSHIPS
S.T.:BONDING
S.T. ELECTROMAGNETIC
SPECTRUM
S.T. ELECTRONICS IN ACTION Disc£14
S.T.:NEWTON & THE SHUTTLE Disc£19
Disc£14 (d)
Disc£14 (d)
Disc£14 (d)
Disc/EC£19
Disc/EC£19 (d)
Disc£20 (d)
Disc£20 (d)
S.T.ECOLOGY
S.T.:POLYMERS
S.T.:CLASSIFICATION &
PERIODIC TABLE
S.T.EOOD & POPULATION
SEC.SCIENCE
MICROTECHNOLOGY
SEC.SCIENCE:THE
MOLE CONCEPT Disc/Aud/EC£16 (c)
BIRD SPY Disc£13(d)
GEORDIE Racer Disc£13(d)
Cass£7 (d)
GENERAL
VU-TYPE PROFESSIONAL
WHITE KNIGHT MK II
(for 1770 DFS)
BATTLEFIELDS
A VOUS LA FRANCE
Book£5.25 (d)
Disc£19 (d)
Disc£16 (d)
Cass£8.50 (d)
Disc£20 (d)
Aud Cass(2)£7 (d)
ESPANAVIVA
Audio Cass(2)£8 (d)
DEUTSCH DIREKT
Disc£19(d)
Book£6.95 (d)
(2) £7.50 (a)
Disc/aud/EC£16 (c)
Book£5.95 (d)
BLACK QUEEN
A long awaited bridge game. ( 1 770DFS)
BISMARCK
History of the famous battleship.
(1770DFS) £ 13(d)
£13(d)
All software in this advertisement has been tested to
work with appropriate Acorn Disc Filing Systems only
and we are unable to comment on compatibility with
any other filing system. It will be the buyers
responsibility to verify such compatibility.
All prices ex VAT and subject to change without notice.
T\ I I I I I I I I. l i '-l I I I I I IT l l l l l i i -t
rn m m i n m i li i i I - Hi 1 1 1 MiMMnmimnnmn i m
Technomatic
305 Kdgware Road, London W 2 T el: 01-723 0233
hooks
No VAT Carriage Code (c)
LANGUAGES
6502 Assy Lang Prog £19.95
6502 Programming £13.95
8086 Book £23.95
Acorn BCP1 User Guide £15.00
Acorn FORTH £7.50
Acorn LISP £7.50
Acorn ISO Pascal Ref Manual £10.00
Intro to COMAL £10.00
Intro to LOGO £7.50
Micro Prolog Ref Manual £10.00
Introduction to Turbo Pascal £14.95
Prog the Micro with Pascal £8.50
The Supervisor’s BBC Micro £10.95
BBC MICRO GUIDE BOOKS
Inside Information £8.95
Maths Prog in BBC Basic £7.95
The Friendly Computer Book £4.50
Toolbox 2 £10.95
ARCHIMEDES
Archimedes Reference Manual £29.95(b)
ARM Assembly Language Prog £12.95(b)
PROGRAMMING/UTILITY
Advanced Sideways Ram User Guide £9.95
Advanced User Guide (BBC) £15.95
Applied Assembly Language on the BBC ...£9.95
BBC Micro Advance Programming £9.95
BBC Micro Ref Guide (B Smith) £10.95
BBC Micro Sideways ROM’s RAM’s £9.95
Guide to the BBC Rom £9.95
Beginners Guide to W.P £7.95
Mastering Assembly Code £8.95
Mastering Interpreters & Compilers £14.95
Master Operating System £6.95
Mastering View, Viewsheet & Viewstore....£12.95
View by B. Smith £12.95
View 3.0 User Guide £9.00
Viewstore User Guide £9.00
Viewsheet User Guide £9.00
Wordwise Plus ...’ £9,95
SOUND & GRAPHICS
Computer Graphics & CAD Fundementals .£9.95
Mastering Music £6.95
DISC DRIVE SYSTEMS
Advanced Disc User Guide £16.95
Disc Book £3.50
Disc Programming Techniques £7.95
Disc Systems £6.95
File Handling on the BBC £6.95
Discovering Disc Drives £POA
Practical Disc File Techniques £5.95
Mastering the Disc Drive £12.95
Mastering DOS plus £12.95
APPLICATIONS
Interfacing Proj for BBC £6.95
BBC and Small Business £5.75
The Software Business £5.50
Mustering Operating System
{ David Atherton) t6.95
Check on new books in stock
Wysiwyg m.uk
WYSIWYG PLUS is a printer and screen utility for Wordwise Plus, View, Interword, and Basic users,
supplied on a 16K Eprom. To obtain a particular printer effect, such as enlarged text, it used to be
necessary to discover the appropriate ‘printer control code’ from your manual and incorporate it into
your text. Secondly, you had to print several trial copies in order to position the effect correctly in
relation to the rest of your text.
WYSIWYG PLUS simplifies this trial and error approach using easily remembered "“commands. For
example, "'ENLARGED not only selects enlarged text on your printer, but uniquely shows you double
width characters on your screen, even from within Wordwise Plus!
WYSIWYG PLUS incorporates a logo editor. Just draw your design on screen using the arrow keys, and
save the results. Use the "'GRAPHICS command to incorporate your design anywhere in your text;
position and see your design in your text before faithfully reproducing a hard copy.
There is also special help for daisy wheel users. The "‘WHEEL command will prompt you to change
daisy wheels whenever a change in type style is about to occur.
WYSIWYG PLUS is designed to work with the following systems:
BBC Model B 6502 Second Processor, BBC Master 128
BBC Model B+ Turbo coprocessor All printers (Except lasers)
WYSIWYG PLUS workspace is relocatable. f 21(d)
MAYA TERMINAL KMULATOR
A comms package for the professional user. MAYA emulates DEC VT52, VT100 and Tandberg
TDV2215. Special BBC VDU mode allows full access to the BBC VDU driver.
Menu driven software allows the setting up of parameters and function key definitions which can be
saved to disc for future use.
Flexible command parser provides a uniform user interface and allows full access to * commands and
HELP facilities.
Xmodem and Kermit file transfer protocols are included as standard. Unique feature of MAYA is
that Kermit can also be used in ‘remote mode’, which allows file transfers to be initiated by other
computers connected to the BBC. File transfers can also be done with a ‘dumb’ ASCII protocol. Open
architecture allows for expansion and addition of new features. Options currently under development
arc graphics drivers for Tektronix 4010/4014 emulation, TDGR driver for TDV2215 and a Viewdata
patch (provisional version included in the current issue). Registered users will be provided with regular
updates and customisation service will also be available to those interested.
The package comprises of a rom, utils disc and a comprehensive manual. It is compatible with Master,
Models B & B-f . It supports DFS, ADFS, NFS and ANFS filing systems. £49(d)
BLACK QUEEN
VC-TYPE
A contract bridge program from BBC Publica-
tions both for beginners and for club players.
Features include rebid and/or reply of any deal
just played. Deals can be saved to a disc. Unique
feature of Black Queen is its ability to construct
deals from standard or classic ones in newspapers
etc.
Compatible with Master, B and B+ £13(d)
EDUCATION AL/LUN
SOFTWARE BUNDLE
Do you have finger trouble when typing?
Do your letters look like this?
Dear Sor,
I wuold like to...
then you need:
VU-type, a complete touch typing program pro-
duced by BBC/Pitman.
It allows you to learn at your own pace and has a
wide range of exercises. Screen displays show the
keys you have pressed and it will report on your
speed and accuracy.
Supplied on a 40T Disc with a manual.
Available at a special price of £7.50(d) instead of
the usual £15. Offer valid while stocks last.
Drawstick
Locomotion
Wordmover
Wordplay Pantry Antics
These programs are supplied from the BBC
Publications Educational Software range and will
be supplied on a 5.25" disc for BBC Master, B+
and B and on a 3.5" disc for the Compact.
5.25" Disc £17.50(d)
3.5" Disc £18.50(d)
(Normal RRP over £40)
See the previous page for comments on compatibility.
BISMARCK
An enthralling game of strategy involving the
famous German battleship of the same name.
You can play the role of British Navy in its quest
to find the Bismarck and sink it or take either
British or German role against another player. It
requires the highest qualities of judgement, obser-
vation and decision to plan strategy and tactics to
plot the death of Bismarck. £13(d)
PRINTER ACCESSORIES
EPSON ACCESSORIES:
8143 RS232 £32 (d)
8148 + RS232 + 8k £79 (d)
IEEE 488 £40 (d)
Apple II £40 (d)
Colour option of EX800/1000 £55 (d)
TRACTOR FEEDERS
LQ800 £44 (b)
LQ1000 £55 (b)
LQ850 £70 (b)
LQ1050 £85 (b)
LQ2500+ £90 (b)
EX800 £85 (b)
EX 1000 £90(b)
SHEET FEEDERS:
LQ800/850 £159 (b)
LQ1000/1050 £189 (b)
EX800/FX800 £159 (b)
EX 1 000/LQ2500 + £225 (b)
FX1000 £189 (b)
Ribbons:
FX/FX100/100 + , FX105 £7(d)
RX/FX80, FX85/800 £4 (d)
LX80/LX800 £4.50 (d)
LQ800/850 £6(d)
LQ 1000/ 1050 £7.75 (d)
EX800/1000 Black £7.50 (d)
EX800/1000 Colour £16.80 (d)
HI 80 Pen Set (Aqueous/Ball point)
£8.25 (d)
HITACHI 672 Plotter
Aqueous Pen Set six pens ....£18.50 (d)
Oil Based Pen Set six pens... £25.00 (d)
TAXAN CANON Accessories:
Ribbon, KPS 1 0/8 1 5/9 10/915 £6 (d)
Star Printer
NL10/LC10 Sheet Feeder £55 (b)
NL10/LC10 Ribbon £4.50 (b)
National Panasonic KX PI 080/81
Spare Ribbon £4.50 (d)
KXP3131 Tractor £90 (a)
KXP3131 Sheet Feeder £189 (a)
KXP3131 Ribbon £4.50(d)
JUKI 6100
Tractor Feed £149 (a)
Sheet Feeder £219 (a)
Ribbon (Carbon) £2.00 (d)
BROTHER HR20
Sheet Feeder £229(a)
Tractor Feed £116 (a)
Spare Ribbon Nylon £3.00 (d)
Spare Ribbon Carbon £4.50(d)
INTEGREX INK JET COLOUR
PRINTER
Spare Ink Cartridge Black £8 (d)
Spare Ink Cartridge Colour £14 (d)
Paper Roll £7 (d)
Printer Leads:
BBC Parallel Lead (1.2m) £6 (d)
PAPER & LABELS
Plain Fanfold paper with micro
perforations:
2000 sheets 9J" x 1 1" 60 gsm/sq m ..£12
(£3.50)
2000 sheets 141" x 11" 60 gsm/sq m
£18.50 (£4.50)
1500 sheets A4 90 gsm £18 (£3.50)
Labels/1000:
Single Row 3J x 1^" £5.25 (d)
Triple Row 26" x l£ £5 (d)
-H-H-l I 1 1 11 1 11 1-1 14 -1- 11 1 M 11 1 - 1-1-
All prices ex VAT and subject to change without notice.
T~1 f I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
:s::
Technomatic
MVILORDI R&RI l \IL
17 Buriilo Road
London NW10 II I)
lav: 01-452 1500
Iclcv: 922800
R1 1 YILSllOPS
15/17 Biirulev Road, London \'\> 10 11.1)
I cl: 01-2081 177 I clev: 922800
(close (o Dollis Mill**)
\> csl I*, nil Branch
405 l-.dguare Road, London \\ 2
I cl: 01-724 0244, 01-402 0444
(near Ldguarc Road 4*)
Lor fast delivery telephone
your order on 01-208 1177
usinj* MSA/ Access Card
Orders welcome from
government dcpts&
educational establishments
All prices e\\ VI .
Prices arc subject to
change without notice
Please add carriage
(a) £8.00 (Courier)
(b) £2.50
(e) £1.50
(d) £1.00
NON AC AD
Computer Aided Draiiyhtiiiy
Svstem
Novacad can drive a plotter to produce drawings of highest quality...
Novacad is excellent. It is flexible, genuinely easy to operate
without much practice, and a pleasure to use. Beebug Dec 86
A sophisticated CAD package with unique
facilities. Thousands of Novacad packages are
being used in widely differing fields ranging
from industries for producing engineering'
drawings to accountants offices for producing
flow charts. Architects, engineers, plumbers,
kitchen planners and many other professions
requiring easy to use facilities for producing
high quality output are making extensive use
of Novacad’s unique features. Novacad r is
proving to be an invaluable teaching aid in
technical schools simply because of the ease
with which it can be used.
Novacad is compatible with all models fitted
with Acorn DFS. Hardware requirements can
be minimum; single drive and FX80
compatible printer are enough to get started,
though its performance is enhanced
considerably by use of 6502 2nd processor,
dual drive and to a degree with B + and
Master’s shadow ram.
The major features offered are:
★ Simple and easy to use with logical command
sequence.
★ A large drawing area (approx 15 screens)
★ Unique ability to create complex icons made
up of upto 500 lines instead of the usual 15 to
20 pixels, store them in a library and recall
them at different scales and orientations.
★ Zoom facility.
★ Create multi level drawings.
★ Text entry at any 90° orientation anywhere on
the screen.
★ Grid scaling and locking, displacement
measurements.
★ Printer routine for FX80/100 compatible
printers
★ Cursor control from keyboard/tracker ball/
mouse.
Plotter driver generator available as an optional
utility, configures a routine for any BBC
coompatible plotter. Pre configured routines for
popular plotters like Epson HI80, Hitachi,
Plotmate are included. Drawings can be scaled to
maximumm plotter size.
NOVACAD T/M Version £49(d)
NOVACAD T/M + Plotter DG £61(c)
Plotter Driver Generator £15(d)
EpromRyter
♦Highly sophisticated & Advanced Programmer
♦All current single rail eproms handled
♦State of the Art Programming Algorithms
EpromRyter is a powerful eprom programmer
designed for use with the BBC Master Computer.
It takes full advantage of the latest developments
in the eprom technology and the extra facilities on
the Master to provide fast, simple and efficient
programming and editing facilities.
The software is totally menu driven and on
screen help messages make the programming
simple for both specialists and novices alike.
The EPROMRYTER interfaces with the
Master through 1MHz bus. It is mains powered
with its own psu. 3M Textool zif socket has been
fitted to ensure consistent and reliable service
over long periods.
The single rail eproms handled by the EpromRyter are:
• 2716 2732 2764 27128 27256 27512 27513 2701 1 I
2516 2532 2564 (NM0S& CMOS)
• One time eproms P27XXX, 87CXXX etc. |
• Also A suffix eproms such as 27XXXA i
£89(b) + VAT
META Ver III ASSEMBLER
“All the good features you would expect to find in a good source code
editor are present ... Meta assembler lives in a different world. It is
structured to work with any new processor ...as new instruction sets
can be added ...as needed ... has a well featured editor with colour
highlighting, a sound modular approach. ’ ’ Acorn User October 1986
• Assembles for over 30 popular processors,
including Z80, 6800/01/02/04/05/09/1 1 etc - and
68000 - using native mnemonics for each
processor, eg LD A, (HL) for Z80 and MOV
A0, $1000 for 68000 etc.
• Fully integrated Editor: four field, all search,
search/replace, block copy, delete, move,
marked save, load etc.
• Compatible with Portal Eprom Emulators and
Team Disassembler.
• Send object code in Intel Hex, S-Record,
straight binary etc. down to discs, RS232,
parallel port, Eprom Emulators etc - all
during Assembly.
• Over 50 directives included as standard:
handling nestable macros, conditional
assembly and twenty types of table definition
directives.
• 32 bit labels; 31 character names. Arithmetic
and Boolean arithmetic to 32 bits.
• Modular source code with numeric and string
parameter passing.
• Serial communicator area with eight options
lines: echo, control code trap, LF suppression/
addition etc.
• Over 500 in use throughout the world in
universities and many different industries.
• Two 16K Roms, two 80 track discs, A4
ring-bound manual, function-key strip.
£145(b)
EEROM ER II
A proven Eprom programmer for BBC Model B
and' B+ with thousands in use in industry,
educational and R&D establishments. It offers
many of the powerful features of the EpromRyter
and can program all single rail eproms upto 27256.
Full details on request. £89(b)
PORTAL EPROM
EMULATORS
Emulates 2716, 2732, 2764, 27128, 27256,
27512 eproms at 150ns Access time.
Load at 4Kbytes/second - No “erase” time.
28 pin header plugs into Eprom socket on
target system - status monitored on 13 Leds.
® Fully software controlled from Meta
Assembler.
# 100 times faster than standard EPROM
program/erase cycle.
# Fully CMOS compatible; draws no power
from target system.
# Four portals may be independently
programmed off same user-port cable.
# Complete with all cables, manual and disc.
PORTAL 512 (2716, 2732, 2764, 27128, 27256,
27512). £245(b)
TEAM DISASSEMBLER
The third part of the Universal Development
System: a Meta labelling disassembler.
Supports 1802, 8080, 8085, #HD64180, Z80,
65XX (includes 65 col, 6511 etc), 68XX (includes
00,01,02,03,08 etc):
• Up to 64K of object code translated back into
META compatible source code modules:
labels automatically inserted on all jump
targets, memory references etc.
• Pre-editing stage allows marking of object
code areas as byte, string, word, long word
etc, tables. These areas disassembled into
appropriate directives instead of garbage
mnemonics.
• Reconstituted source code ready for
immediate re-assembly by META.
• Omniversal search/repalce for re-naming
arbitrary label names with meaningful ones.
£145(b)
1
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..£420.00
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..£105.00
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40
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
HINTS & IPS
DUMPING IN MIDSTREAM
Useful advice on how to achieve a screen dump while a program is running,
to transfer files from DFS to ADFS, and to score accurately at Scrabble
Many readers may know that the IBM PC
has a very useful function available from
the keyboard: by pressing a key called
‘Print Screen’ or ‘PrtSc’ at any point within
a program it sends a dump of the entire
screen to the printer. The facility is for a
text-only dump which is compatible with
all printers.
Program 1 listed in the yellow pages
provides the same facility on a BBC micro.
It assembles and saves a program called
PrtSc which is *RUN before using your
program. At any point during the use of
your program, pressing CTRL-COPY will
send a text dump to the printer, without
affecting anything on screen or in the
program. It is particularly useful for, say,
dumping individual records in a database
without going through a report generator,
or perhaps dumping a mode 7 screen in a
viewdata program. Note that any graphics
on screen in mode 7 are converted to their
text equivalents, and in any other mode
they are converted to spaces. You could
alter the program to deal with graphics,
and even produce a complete graphic dump
by altering or replacing the routine starting
at the label ‘prinsc’.
The program is completely legal and will
work with spoolers and printer buffers.
Any printer can be used with the normal
*FX5 setting. The program also takes
account of the ignore character, so your
*FX6 setting should be made as usual.
PrtSc works by the use of events, specifi-
cally event 4, which, when enabled, occurs
50 times every second. The installation
routine at ‘instal’ sets the event vector to
the address of your program - this idea
was mentioned in the May ’88 issue.
The first part of the program stores all
the registers on the stack. Then it checks if
the necessary keys are being pressed. (Two
separate checks are made, one for COPY,
then for CTRL.) If they are, then it
disables the event. This is so that if CTRL-
COPY is pressed again, the program
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
doesn’t try to attempt another dump with-
in the first one. The next important action
is to clear the interrupt flag, as they are
disabled at the entry to an event routine.
Interrupts must be enabled to allow the
operating system to work, for example
when printing characters.
NINTL A»l) Tit'S AUGUST II bT t<Avld AlhaMOn
lot) word*
•• r«IHT SCRUM TUMCTIOM ••
HA Ay raad.n My know (hat lb* IBM 1C haa • wiry uaatul tunctlon available
Iron the aeybnardby prilling i kiy called 'trill Scrim' or oltin
'title', it my point, within my progrm. i dump of thi intlri scrim Is
•mt to thi prlntir Thl facility n tor • t. it -only duip. to provldi
coapit 1 1> 1 1 1 1 v with ill printers.
Thl • progrm provldn thi imo facility on a BBC Micro. TM progtm mild
In Yillow Pag. • aiiaablii and aavu to disc I lachlna coda progrm callad
'PrtSc which Is thin •BUM bafura uling ynur progrm. Thin, at any point
during thi um of your progrm. priming CTRL P will und I tail duip to
thi prlntir. without affictlng anything on acram, or In thi progrm It
li particularly uiaful for. aay, duaplng Individual neorda In a databaia
without going through a upon ganarator. or pirhaps duaplng a Modi I
aersan In ■ viawdata progrm Not. that any graphics on icrian In Modi 7
ara convarlad to thalr l.«t igulvalanli. and In any othir aoda. thay ara
convirl.d to apacaa. you could altar tha prograa to daal with graphics,
and indaid produce a coaplit* graphic, duap by altarlng or riplacing tha
80 -column text dump using PrtSc
Then the program calls the print-out
routine. When this has finished, it re-
enables the event so that the routine can be
used again, and restores all registers from
the stack and exits.
The screen printing routine works by
reading the mode number, and uses this to
determine the size of the screen. Then it
sends the cursor to each character location
on the screen in turn, reads the character at
the cursor, then sends it to the printer.
Note that the program takes great care not
to scroll the screen. When it reaches the
last character on the bottom line of the
screen, it doesn’t move the cursor on to the
‘next’ character, as that would cause the
screen to scroll up a line.
The program is configured for 80-
column printers, which do not need a
carriage return to move on to the next line
if exactly 80 characters are placed on a line.
If you have a wide printer such as the
Epson FX100 or Acorn User's own Sakata
wide carriage printer, or if you are using
condensed mode printing, then the variable
‘printw’ in line 90 should be changed to the
appropriate width in characters.
The program should work correctly on
the Electron, and on all 6502-based BBC
micros. It resides at location &900 in
memory, and so will be corrupted if you
use the cassette system to read files in, or
read data from the serial port. Owners of
Masters and machines with sideways RAM
might like to try to alter the program so
that it can be run from sideways RAM.
£5
SCRABBLE
SCORER MK II
Richard Wain of Sheffield is a keen player
of Scrabble, and was interested in Bernard
Emblem’s Hints and Tips program that we
carried some time ago, which performed
Scrabble scoring. However, that program
didn’t work out word scores, which is the
part of Scrabble scoring Richard finds most
tedious, so he set out to write his own
version.
The program starts by asking for up to
four players’ names, which are used later to
prompt for the scores. After this, you
should play your first round of the game,
so each player has one turn. Then enter the
words for the first round. The letter mul-
tiples are added after the relevant letter,
while word multiples are added after the
relevant word.
All the letters of the actual word should
be typed in using capital letters, and the
special codes below should be entered with
lower case. To calculate double and triple
scores, the special system has to be used as
follows:
d = double word
t = triple word
1 = double letter
h = triple letter
b = blank or no word
So, for example if the word ‘HELLO’ is
used, and the word falls on a double word
square, with the letter E sitting on a triple
letter square, you would enter ‘HEhLLOd’
If you have made more than one word in
your turn, then any other words should be
added to the string as it is entered. For
41
VQLTMACE
SPE C IAL PFFERrFE W -QNL Y M 1ISUBI5HLP1SC_D.RI YES
Double Sided, Double Density, 80 Track,
1/2 Height Mitsubishi Model M4853 with flap front In cream
steel case complete with leads for BBC B, Master etc.
£84.95 Inc. VAT and P&P
Also available uncased £70.00 Inc. VAT and P&P
COMPATIBLE
DELTA 3B TWIN
DISC DRIVE STARTER PACK
1 40 Track double sided/double density
400K 51 / 4 " Toshiba disc drive in a half
height cream metal case.
1 Watford Mark II DDFS disc interface kit.
1 Watford DFS manual.
£115.00 including VAT AND P&P
COMPATIBLE
FOR A BBC A, B, B + & MASTER
DELTA 3B TWIN - £19.95
2 joysticks wired to one plug.
As with all our joysticks they have the fast action sprung to centre return of
the steel shafted nylon covered joystick. The light action makes them ideal
to hold and the 3 fire buttons allow left or right-handed use.
DELTA 3B SINGLE £12.95
A single joystick that in some ways can act as two. The custom made
potentiometers are wired so that it will work as a left hand or right hand
joystick. It can run some programs written for two joysticks and has two
independant fire functions.
DELTA 14B £14.95
Our original ACORN/BBC handset. The same super light joystick, but with
14 long life buttons, video game tested for many years. A DELTA14B/1 is
needed to run the keypad but a 14B on it’s own will work as a joystick and
fire buttons, so you can always add the 14B/1 to it later.
DELTA14B/1 for use with 1 or 2 DELTA 14B*s £14.85
DELTA DRIVER CASSETTE £5.95
The A/D/USER PORT interface box. This gives simultaneous access to both
the analogue port, for the joystick part and the user port, for the keypad.
Two handsets can be plugged into the box giving a total of 24 user definable
keys.
N.B. On a Master a small extension lead is needed to clear the RGB socket
(£5.95 extra).
Full instructions are provided to include the keypad in your own programs
even in BASIC or for the non-programmer a DELTA DRIVER cassette is
available with keyboard to joystick/keypad conversions and keypad set up
programs.
FOR THE MASTER COMPACT OR ELECTRON FITTED WITH A
SWITCHED JOYSTICK INTERFACE
DELTA 3S £12.95
For an ELECTRON with a switched joystick interface (not a PLUS 1) this
gives you the same delightful light, fast action of the DELTA joysticks but
fitted with a 9 way D plug as per Atari. Commodore, etc. and will run on
First Byte interface or similar.
Unit 9, Bondor Business Centre, London Road, Baldock, Herts. SG7 6NG. Telephone (0462) 894410
FEW LEFT ONLY - LAST M QNTH QF OFFER
CUMANA TOUCHPADS - The touch pad allows you to transfer
sketches onto your screen by using a stylus on a touch sensitive pad
Absolute bargain £14.95 Inc. VAT and P&P
Unbranded Guaranteed Discs
10 5.25" 40Tr Double sided £4.95
10 5.25’ 80Tr Double sided £4.95
10 3.5" 135TPI - DS/DD £10.95
Disc-Drive head cleaner kits-Liquid type-non-abrasive 3.5" or 5.25" £3.95
Available from your dealer
or direct from us on
(0462) 894410
• DELTA 3S or 3SO
NEW!!! DATAPRINT2P LOW COST- LOWPROFILE- PRINTER SHARER
£34.95
A neat small unit which allows two parallel printers to be connected to one
computer and simply switched between the two. e.g. one printer for paper and
one for labels.
DATAPRINT 2C LOW COST- LOW PROFILE COMPUTER SHARER £34.95
The opposite of the DATAPRINT 2P this little box just 125 x 90 x 20mm allows
two computers to share one printer.
» DATAPRINT 2P
DATAPAD 16 B £39 - 95
A commercial spec. 16 way keypad. Full travel mechanical keys with double
shot moulded keycaps mounted in a low profile metal case. The keys are
marked with calculator legend, but the software included allows the pad to be
defined as any keys, including function keys or single byte VDU commands
such as PRINTER ON/OFF. No tampering the computer as it fits onto the
user port.
• DATAPAD 16B
42
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
HINTS & UPS
example, if the word GO was made at the
same time as HELLO, you would enter
HEhLLOdGO or, HEhLLOGOd if GO
was also on the double score.
The computer calculates your score from
a standard Scrabble table of values, and
modifies it according to the double and
triple scores noted. Each player’s score is
taken for the round and added to a running
total. The program then asks if the game is
finished, and if not, proceeds to take the
score again. When the game is over the
program asks whether you have any letters
left. If you have, type a string containing
all the letters, eg, QRUU or whatever.
The best way to use the Scrabble scorer
is during an actual game. Of course careful
attention will need to be paid to the seating
arrangements, so that keyboard, screen and
players can all be accommodated.
£5
8-PIN DUMPS
FROM 24-PIN PRINTERS
Martin Hesketh from Ryton, Tyne and
Wear, has an NEC P2200 pin writer, the
low-cost 24-pin dot-matrix printer.
Although very pleased with the quality of
print available, Martin found that when
using screen dumps designed for 8-pin
graphics (9-pin printers don’t use one of
the pins when printing in graphics mode),
the result was only just satisfactory, with
quality worse than many 8-pin printers.
This was because the printer only used
every third pin when printing 8-pin
graphics, leaving small but noticeable lines
between each line of dots.
When Martin typed in the three 24-pin
dumps in April and May’s Aconi Users , the
quality was much better. But the programs
didn’t give as much versatility as, for
example, special printer ROMs such as
Watford’s Dumpout 3. So Martin wrote the
program presented here - a converter
which actually takes 8-pin graphics data
and converts it to the 24-pin equivalent,
using the original 24-pin graphics modes of
the printer rather than the poorer 8-pin
emulation provided by the printer manu-
facturers.
Martin’s program uses the buffer insert
vector (INSV) to check for 8-pin graphics.
It an 8-pin graphics code is given, the
program converts it to the nearest 24-pin
equivalent, then converts the graphic data
that follows. Now instead of printing with
every third pin, each bit controls three of
the 24 pins on the printer.
8-pin graphics (top) converted to 24-pin
The illustration above shows a screen
picture from the Master’s Welcome Disc.
The top dump is without the converter.
The lower one uses the converter and is
much darker and sharper. The immediate
reaction is that one was printed with a faint
ribbon, but in fact the two dumps were
done one after the other, with the same
screen dump software.
The program is supplied in the form of
assembler source which automatically in-
stalls itself when you CHAIN it. The
correct insert vector value is calculated at
the start of the program as this varies on
different machines. CHAIN the program
before starting up your graphics software.
DFSTOADFS
FILE TRANSFER
Following on from last month’s item about
40-track and 80-track DFS discs, we turn
this month to ADFS. Undoubtedly this is
better than DFS in the long run, once you
get used to it, but can cause a few
headaches at first. Virtually all commercial
software is supplied in DFS format, and to
maintain compatibility with DFS users,
you often find that you can’t avoid trans-
ferring files between the two systems.
Copying the files is fairly straightfor-
ward. Master owners have a utility on the
Welcome disc called COPYFILES and also
a command, :: *MOVE, built into the oper-
ating system. The best method to use is to
place the DFS disc in drive 0 and the
ADFS disc in drive 1, and set COPYFILES
up accordingly, specifying the S directory
for each. When asked for a source list
specification, type a star ("') meaning ‘all
files’. This will copy all the files in the S
directory on the DFS disc to the $ direc-
tory on the ADFS disc, and normally this
is good enough. By specifying a sub-
directory on the ADFS disc (which you
must have already created with CDIR) you
can choose to place the files elsewhere on
the ADFS disc.
A shortcoming of COPYFILES is that it
only allows you to copy one DFS direc-
tory at a time. If you have several files, but
only one in each directory, you might as
well use the "'MOVE command, which is
easier to use because it is built in to the
Master’s Megabit ROM. But "‘MOVE has
the disadvantage that it cannot accept ‘wild
cards’ - that is, it cannot transfer more
than one file at once.
For example, if you have a DFS disc
with files !BOOT, Program, T.Data and
F.Data, and you wish to transfer them all
to an ADFS disc, you can place the format-
ted ADFS disc in drive I, and first of all
create the two necessary subdirectories:
*DIR :1.$
"‘CDIR T
"CDIR F
"'DIR also has the effect of ‘mounting’ the
disc. Then each file can be transferred
using :: ’MOVE without repeatedly chang-
ing directories. The sequence is shown in
table 1 on the next page.
It is possible to omit any part of the
syntax which is a current setting, for exam-
ple if you were in DFS mode when starting
to use the :: ‘MOVE command the -DISC-
part could be omitted. To be on the safe
side, it is best to use the full syntax at all
times. Note how the filename must be
specified for the ADFS part. "'MOVE,
unlike some other utilities, does not work
with omitted filenames by assuming them
to be the same.
Having transferred the files, some furth-
er alterations need to be made to the ADFS
disc. First, the !BOOT option was prob-
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
43
HINTS & TIPS
TABLE 1. TRANSFERRING USING 'MOVE
:: MOVE -DISC-:0.$.!BOOT
-ADFS-:l.$.!BOOT
••MOVE -DISC- :0.$. Program
-ADFS-l.S. Program
'MOVE -DISC-:0.T.Data
-ADFS-I.S.T.E>ata
-MOVE -DISC-:0.F.Data
-ADFS-l.S.F.Data
TABLE 2. SETTING FILES AS LOCKED
* ADFS (This remounts Drive 1
for safety
•OPT 4,3
'•ACCESS * LWR
••ACCESS T. ;; * LWR
^ACCESS F. :; ‘ LWR
ably set on the DPS disc, so this needs to
be set in the new disc too. More subtly, the
‘L’ setting listed after a filename in a DPS
catalogue means it is readable, writeable,
but locked. In ADPS, you have to say
explicitly that the file is readable and
writeable, by using "‘ACCESS. The opera-
tions to set all the files as readable, write-
able but locked are shown in table 2. Note
that separate " ACCESS commands are re-
quired for each subdirectory.
Setting up the ADFS disc in this way
will help to improve DFS compatibility.
The example file ‘Program’ would prob-
ably access one of the other files, using a
command such as X=0PEN1N “F.Data”
or something similar. Although you cannot
see the F.Data file when you catalogue the
ADFS disc (while in the S directory), this
command would still find the file.
Beware of DFS filenames which use
characters such as £, S, @, * and full stops
other than immediately after a single char-
acter directory name, for example,
FILE.TX or £.£££££££. Though these
characters are against the programming
rules, they nevertheless work in DFS. But
they won’t work in ADFS and will have to
be changed. COPYFILES performs the
changes automatically but of course you
may have to change any programs which
refer to these files by their original names.
If you have only a single drive, or if you
aren’t using the Master, then you won’t be
able to use COPYFILES or the "MOVE
command. Unless you have another utility
program, the simplest way to transfer files
is through ordinary "LOAD and "SAVE.
This will, however, restrict you to copying
files which will fit in memory, which lor
model B users is about 24k. So files must
be &6000 bytes or less in length. In a
model B with ADFS, the normal setting of
Twin drives make transfer easier
PAGE is & 1 COO. You can find what it is
on your machine using PRINT PAGE.
First type "DISC followed by "OPT 1,2
- this will display file lengths. Now load
the first file like this, using the address of
PAGE in hexadecimal.
-LOAD !BOOT 1C00
The file details are displayed on screen,
with three long numbers after the filename.
From the left these are the load address,
execution address and length. Remove the
DFS disc, and replace it with the ADFS
disc. Type "‘ADFS followed by "‘MOUNT
0 to mount the disc, and the file as follows:
-SAVE 1BOOT 1C00 +11 FFFFFFFF
00000000
The order of the four numbers is the value
of PAGE, plus the length of the file, then
the execution and load addresses. Note that
when you see six Fs after loading you
should use eight Fs when saving. This is
because ADFS stores file addresses to grea-
ter precision than DFS. Now replace the
DFS disc and repeat for each file.
You can repeatedly catalogue the DFS
disc, or you might like to make a list of all
the files first. The procedures for setting up
subdirectories (before the copying) and the
-OPT 4,3 and "ACCESS (after the
copying) remain the same. The example
‘T.Data’ file would be copied in the normal
way with -LOAD T. Data and "SAVE T.
Data.
By following the methods above, you
should be able to transfer the majority of
unprotected software across to ADFS. For
simplicity, we have assumed that there are
no 40/80-track complications, but even if
there are, judicious switching of the drive
at the appropriate point should make
everything work. Note that protected DFS
discs will not normally transfer to ADFS -
for these your only recourse, short of a lot
of hacking, is to ask the publisher if an
ADFS version is available.
£10 '
MATHEMATICAL
DIVERSIONS
Another program from Martin Hesketh
shows how the humble BBC micro is both
fast and capacious when it comes to per-
forming mathematics. For this Martin has
ignored the arithmetic facilities provided
by Basic, and resorted to direct machine
code programming, providing his own
multi-precision integer routines.
The program runs through that mathe-
matical series popular with computer scien-
tists, the powers of 2. The demonstration is
staggeringly impressive, showing the size
of numbers the computer can handle when
freed from the rather limiting four-byte
integer system provided by Basic. Normal-
ly, the computer will give a ‘Too big’ error
message at any number of more than about
37 digits (floating point) or 10 digits (in-
teger).
This program calculates successive pow-
ers of 2, and can continue until the number
of digits in the result exceeds the memory
limit set, in this case about 24,500!
When you run the program, you will at
first be greeted by a blank display. To
increase processing speed, the output to
screen is only enabled when you press the
space bar. Try pressing the space bar after
about 10 seconds - already the program
will be past 2 to the power of 1000 - a
number far exceeding the number of atoms
in the universe. But switching on the
display will slow calculations down con-
siderably. Of course, as the program prog-
resses into the realms of higher powers, the
time taken to calculate each power in-
creases.
As an experiment, Martin left his maths
program running overnight, and by the
next morning, he found that it had reached
277243. The 23,253-digit number took up
four and a half sheets of printer paper!
Your Hints and Tips for BBC micros and
Electrons are always welcome. Send them
to David Atherton at Acorn User, 20-26
Brunswick Place , London N1 6DJ. Please
wherever possible include a disc ( which will
be returned) containing both the program
and text of your submission.
44
ACORN USLiR AUGUST 1988
PRINTER COMPATIBILITY TABLE
Codes
Effects
Epson
Citizen
NEC
Panasonic
Toshiba
FX80
LQ800
GQ3500
HQP-40
P2200
KX-P1540
P321SL
(LQ mode)
(IBM mode)
8
Backspace
■
■
B
fl
fl
B
B
12
Form feed (new page)
■
■
B
B
a
B
B
13
Carriage Return
■
■
B
B
B
B
B
14
Double width (temp)
■
■
■
B
B
B
B
15
Condensed
■
■
B
B
B
B
18
Cancel condensed
■
■
fl
B
B
B
20
Cancel double width
■
■
B
B
B
B
B
27,33,n
Program pitch/cffect
■
■
B
B
B
B
27,38
Define downloadable characters
■
■
fl
B
B
B
fl
27,45,1
Underline
■
■
B
□
B
B
B
27,45,0
Cancel underline
■
■
B
B
B
m
B
27,48
Vfe-inch line spacing
■
■
B
B
B
B
B
27,49
7 /72-inch line spacing
■
IS
■ (Wo)
B
27,50
Vi-inch line spacing
■
■
B
a
B
B
27,51,n
n/2 16-inch spacing"'
■ (216)
■ (180)
■ (180)
■ (180)
■ (180)
■ (180)
27,52
Italics
a
H
B
B
a
a
27,18
27,53
Cancel italics
■
■
B
a
m
B
27,20
27,64
Reset printer
■
■
B
m
B
fl
B
27,69
Emphasised (bold)
■
■
fl
B
B
a
B
27,70
Cancel emphasised
■
■
B
B
a
a
B
27,71
Double-strike (bold)
■
■
B
a
B
b
B
27,72
Cancel double-strike
■
a
B
B
B
a
B
27,74,n
Fractional line feed
■ (216)
■ (180)
■ (180)
■ (180)
■ (180)
■ (180)
■ (216)
27,77
Elite font
■
B
B
ESI
B
B
27,80
Pica font
■
B
B
B
B
B
27,82,3
English character set
■
B
B
B
a
B
27,82,0
US character set
■
fl
B
B
B
B
27,83,0
Superscript
■
B
B
fl
B
B
B
27,84
Cancel superscript
■
B
B
fl
B
B
B
27,83,1
Subscript
■
B
B
B
fl
fl
B
27,84
Cancel subscript
■
B
B
B
B
B
B
27,87,1
Double width (perm)
■
■
B
B
B
B
B
27,87,0
Cancel double width
■
B
B
B
B
B
B
27,106,n
Fractional reverse feed
■ (216)
■ (180)
■ (180)
■ (/1 80)
B
27,112,1
Proportional spacing
■
B
fl
B
fl
B
27,80,0
27,112,0
Cancel proportional spacing
■
B
B
B
fl
B
27,80,1
27,119,1
Double height
27,118,1
27,119,0
Cancel double height
27,118,0
27,120,1
NLQ
B
B
B
B
27,120,0
Cancel NLQ
B
B
m
B
27,65,n
n/72-inch line spacing
■(72)
■ (60)
■ (60)
"(60)
“(60)
fl
"(60)
B
27,75
Normal density graphics
■
B
B
B
27,76
Dual density graphics
■
B
m
fl
fl
a
27,89
Double density graphics
■
B
B
B
m
B
27,90
Quad density graphics
■
B
B
B
m
a
27,42,5
Proportional graphics
■
27, 42,32-40
24-pin graphics
B
B
El
m
* Line feed commands show units in brackets
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
45
OFFERS
TELETEXT RECEIVER
We are so impressed by the exceptional
quality of the new BBC teletext adapter
that we have negotiated a special low-
price introductory offer exclusive to Acorn
User readers.
All orders received by July 31 1988 will
be supplied at £134 including VAT and
delivery (normal retail price £149). The
BBC teletext adapter is available at this
special price only .through Acorn User.
The Advanced Teletext Receiver from
General Information Systems was
developed with the co-operation of the
BBC. It is the next generation of teletext
receivers for the BBC microcomputer
series and is the only BBC-approved
teletext adapter design.
The adapter incorporates many of the
advances made possible by recent
developments in teletext chip technology
all packed into a ruggedly built, compact
box, which can be either wall-mounted or
left free-standing.
Other key features include:
■ Complete access to Ceefax, Oracle and
free downloadable software.
■ Connection to the user port of the BBC
models B, B+ and the Master 128.
■ Powered by the micro’s 5v output.
■ The only receiver with ATS Plus ROM
and on-board dedicated microprocessor
for superior performance. The ROM is
supplied with a function key strip and
excellent user guide.
■ The software supplied with the receiver
is guaranteed to operate with BBC
transmissions.
■ Tuning of the receiver is achieved
Please send me
Advanced Teletext Receiver(s) at £134.00 inclusive of VAT and delivery.
NB: educational discounts are available - contact Seran at Acorn User.
I enclose a cheque/postal order for £ made payable to GIS (Reader Account).
The most advanced teletext
receiver available
.rfHHjjjjHiH*- 1 COMPUTING
#
TELESOFTWARE 1
#
G3D3 El
TELE
SOFTWARE
NEXT
Micro-magazine
.701
Reviews
.702
DATA
Forthcoming event*.,
.703
REPORT
Education special
- software reviews
.704
*CAT
Program* available now.
.710
*INFO
Program information
.711
LIST
Programs next week.
.712
TELESOFTWARE The proarMB.
.720
to
731
Z.A
Please charge my Access/American Express £ .
Official order number
ACCOUNT NUMBER
ttti rnrr
rm rrrr
EXPIRY DATE
i i in
NAME
ADDRESS
POSTCODE
SIGNED
. DATE .
Please send this coupon with your remittance to Teletext Offer, Acorn User Merchandising,
20-26 Brunswick Place, London N1 6DJ.
using simple star commands.
■ If you are using teletext for a period of
time the terminal has the ability to keep
pages for you, updating them when new
data becomes available.
■ Designed for the future: the receiver
offers upwards compatibility to full page
teletext and picture quality teletext.
The BBC is committed to developing its
telesoftware and has already made a large
amount of public domain software
available to its users.
You can also use the receiver's ATS
Plus ROM commands in your own
programs to extract data from the teletext
pages to build a personal database of
information. So you could keep track of
the fortunes of your favourite football
team, for example, or automatically check
up on the state of your share portfolio -
you could even build a system that
monitored the market, and then warned
you of changes.
We are pleased to accept official
educational orders, and educational
discounts are available for orders of 10
or more: for more information telephone
01-490 1444 Ext 297.
46
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
A CLOSER LOOK
The BBC-approved GIS Teletext Receiver
is bristling with features
The BBC has joined forces with General
Information Systems, creators of the Red
Box home security system, to launch the
BBC Advanced Teletext Receiver.
The adapter gives you access to the
information on Ceefax and Oracle and lets
you download free telesoftware.
A single metre-long thick lead connects
to the user port on the BBC micro or
Master 128. Master Compact owners with
an add-on user port will now be able to
add teletext for the first time.
The adapter takes its power from the
micro’s 5v output. In addition, you are
supplied with an ATS Plus ROM to install
in one of the sideways ROM sockets or a
ROM cartridge or expansion board. This
is a new version of the Advanced Teletext
System ROM released by the BBC two
years ago.
Tuning is achieved by typing in
*TELETEXT and then pressing Shift-fO.
The screen displays a station tuning page,
and gives simple instructions for tuning.
First you have to press ‘S’ to start
scanning through the channel
wavelengths, and when a signal is located
the scan is halted. This allows you to
either save the station by pressing K, or S
to continue scanning. A strong signal is
indicated by the status report showing
‘On-tune’ and a good steady screen
display. In some areas channels are
transmitted on several wavelengths, and
so you should scan through the entire
selection before choosing one.
Individual teletext pages are called by
simply pressing their unique three-figure
number. The software also allows you to
make use of the linked-pages system. At
the bottom of the screen there are usually
a series of coloured boxes followed by
either page numbers or coloured
keywords. These correspond to the four
coloured blocks on the keystrip (fl to f4).
This linked-pages system certainly makes
selecting any desired page much easier.
The ‘kept page’ feature is a really
useful asset. If you are using teletext for
long periods of time the terminal has the
ability to keep pages for you, updating
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
them when it can. This means that when
you re-select them they appear
immediately, without having to wait for
them to come round.
Probably the best feature of the ATS
Plus ROM is the way the telesoftware is
handled. The Ceefax service has several
pages dedicated to computer software.
These are updated weekly. By pressing f5
a complete list of all the telesoftware
available for the week is displayed. From
this catalogue programs and files can be
downloaded and saved to disc with
tremendous ease. There is none of the
confusion that the original TFS caused
when in the telesoft mode, with its black
screen and Searching message.
Since its release, the ATS ROM has
been well supported by the BBC. For
instance, the BBC has broadcast a
program which allows a whole week’s
telesoftware to be downloaded off-air
automatically. Other packages include
programs that can collect the major news
stories and then print them out in
newspaper format. These programs will
all work with the ATS Plus ROM too.
In addition BBC Schools Broadcasting has
started to use the telesoftware service for
sending out details of its broadcasts.
The most exciting development is the
use of ATS ROM commands so that your
own programs can extract data from
teletext pages. One example of this is a
program that allows your computer to
look at the weather pages on Ceefax every
day, take the data and plot graphs. This
allows a database of weather information
from all parts of the country to be built
up. In the same way, checks can be made
on how your favourite football team is
doing. Financial information on Ceefax
also allows an automatic check on the
state of your share portfolio — and you
could even build a system that monitored
the market, then warned you of changes.
The ROM comes with a function key
strip and an excellent user guide.
There is no doubt the new Advanced
Teletext Receiver is an impressive
performer. One reason for the BBC’s
adoption of the GIS adapter is that the
BBC regards its Ceefax service, and
especially the telesoftware service, as an
important part of an integrated system.
Perhaps the most important aspect of
the adapter is that it is BBC endorsed,
and so everything that is broadcast will
work. If you want access to Ceefax and
Oracle this is a great way to receive it.
47
ARC AGORA
MODULE MANIPULATION
In this month’s Agora: how to handle the Arc’s relocatable modules,
and a sample module for compacting screen images
Most of the software built into the
Archimedes comes in the form of ‘relocat-
able modules’ - that is, pieces of Arm code
that behave in a very similar way to the
sideways ROM of the BBC and Master
computers.
The main difference between an Arc
module and a Beeb ROM is that whereas
all Beeb chips are loaded at ‘apparently’ the
same address and live side-by-side, Arc
modules are relocatable - they may be
loaded wherever there is a suitably large
space for them, and they can all be active at
the same time.
Several helpful ^commands are built in.
To list all currently active modules, type
"MODULES. "RMLOAD simply loads a
module into the RMA (Relocatable Mod-
ule Area) - an area of memory set aside for
modules. You may configure the RMA size
using "CONFIGURE RMASIZE although
the value you specify is not taken as an
absolute maximum, merely as a sort of
‘contingency memory fund’. If you load a
module which requires more space, the
RMA will usually be enlarged accordingly.
"RMRUN loads and ‘starts up’ a module
if it is an application rather than just a
‘service’ module. "RMKILL removes a
module from the RMA space and "UN-
PLUG is harsher still - killing the module
and setting a bit in the battery-backed
RAM so that the module will not even
return after switching off and on.
"RMREINIT will reinstate a module and
will also reset the ‘unplug’ bit if necessary.
Note that "UNPLUG, when typed with
no parameter, lists all unplugged modules.
As Richard Charles from Ulster found,
you can safely "UNPLUG all but the first
four modules, releasing about 280k extra to
use with the PC Emulator. If you want to
unplug modules, but also wish to preserve
your current configuration, then why not
save it with P J Dellar’s utility from last
month’s Agora? Our main program this
month - listing 1 on the yellow pages - is a
sample module called ‘ScreenUtils’. It con-
tains two invaluable routines to compact
and expand screen images. Since Arc
screens are up to 160k in size, there’s a
considerable need to compact them in
some way.
Because module code must be relocat-
able, OPT values of 4 and above must be
used so that the code is placed at 0% but
Figure 1. Files displayed with Ftttree
is assembled to run at P%. Initially, we set
0% to code% and P% to 0, so our
module is assembled to run at address 0
which means that any internal references
will work out correctly. The first seven
memory words of a module are standard to
all modules.
&00 contains a pointer to the ‘start code’
- the address to call if the module is
selected as the current application.
ScreenUtils is a service module so this
word contains zero. &04 points to the
‘initialisation code’, which is called by
-RMRUN, -RMLOAD, -RMREINIT
and "RMTIDY. The code for ScreenUtils
starts at ‘.init’ and simply claims one page
of workspace by invoking SWI “OS_
Module” with R0=6. R3 contains the
amount of space required and the address
of the space allocated is returned in R2.
This value is stored in the ‘private word’
contained in R12. Thereafter, any calls to
ScreenUtils will be made with R12 point-
ing to its private page of memory. &08
contains the address of the ‘finalisation
code’ - called by "‘RMKILL and "UN-
PLUG. ScreenUtils has no finalisation
code, but this could be used to prevent its
removal from the RMA. &0C contains the
address of the ‘service call handler’.
Service calls are passed to modules in
much the same way as they are passed to
BBC ROMs. Unknown "’commands and
requests for help are dealt with separately
under the module system though, so
ScreenUtils requires no service call hand-
ling. &10 contains the address of the mod-
ule’s title string, as displayed in "MOD-
ULES for example. The string must be
zero-terminated and must be followed by
ALIGN to ensure subsequent instructions
start on word boundaries. ScreenUtils uses
the macro FNequz to include a zero-
terminated string. Note that the FN need
not be preceded by an OPT in Basic V : the
value returned by FNequz is simply
thrown away. 0&14 contains a pointer to
the module help string. This is also zero-
terminated and contains a tab character
(ASCII 9) so that the name lines up neatly
with those of the other modules. &18 is the
last essential header word and contains a
pointer to a table of all the "commands.
If our module contained its own SWI
calls, the next four words would also
contain special information, but if these
words do not contain sensible values they
arc ignored by the operating system.
The command table consists of a list of
"‘commands, terminated by a zero byte.
The macro FNcom is used to assemble
each command and takes as parameters:
■ the command name
■ a pointer to the command’s code
■ some flags
■ a pointer to a ‘syntax’ string
■ a pointer to a ‘help’ string
The flags contain information about the
minimum and maximum permissible num-
ber of parameters and if these limits are
breached, the syntax string is used as an
error message.
48
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
not try J F Button’s program - listing 3 on
the yellow pages? It also illustrates many
useful features of BBC Basic V.
The program requests a directory name
and then FNtree is invoked to display the
files found (figure 1). It works with ADFS,
ANFS and any other filing system.
To draw the tree, several characters are
defined in PROCinit. Note that if ‘Coun-
try’ is configured to Compact then these
characters will already have been defined.
A check is also made to see if the program
is being run in mode 7 and, if so, alterna-
tive characters are used to draw the tree.
The keyword MODE when used as a
variable returns the current screen mode.
The filenames are read conveniently us-
ing OS.Gbpb and the file lengths are
extracted using OS.Files. Mr Button makes
extensive use of the IF . . .ELSE . . .EN-
DIF structure to keep his program neat
and employs WHILE . . .ENDWHILE
when indenting filenames. This is very
useful when you want a loop to repeat
exactly zero times.
ARE YOU FILLING
ALRIGHT?
Because the Archimedes is well behaved in
the way it handles events and interrupts,
it’s possible to do all sorts of things
‘behind the computer’s backplane’. Listing
4 on the yellow pages comes from Acorn
User regular Dave Lawrence and illustrates
one possibility.
A diagonal maze is drawn on the screen
using two characters defined at the start of
the program. This maze is then flood-
filled. However, the event vector (number
&10) is intercepted using the SWI call
OS.Claim and the routine .gcol is added to
the chain of event-handling routines.
The vertical sync event is enabled with
*FX 14,4 prior to the flood fill (and
disabled afterwards with *FX 13,4), so
‘.gcol’ is called 50 times a second while the
maze is being filled. The short piece of
code selects each colour from 0 to 63 in
turn by performing the equivalent of VDU
18,0, colour with three SWIs. OS.Claim
takes three parameters - a vector number,
the address of the new code to add to the
chain and a value to be passed in register
R12. In the example, this last value sets
how frequently the plotting colour is
changed (in fiftieth of a second uni ts).
All submissions should be sent to Arc
Agora , Acorn User, Redwood Publishing ,
20-26 Brunswick Place , London N1 6DJ.
49
Figure 2. Above, Zarch screen and demonstration
image have been compacted
Space does not permit a full description
of how the screen compaction works, but
here’s a brief outline. The screen mode and
palette information are written to the file.
The screen is scanned 16 times and each
time recurring bytes are looked for. The
file is made up of pairs of values - the byte
from the screen and the number of times it
occurs in succession. This process is often
called ‘run-length encoding’.
The best scan is found and is used to
compact the screen. Each scan uses a
different number of bits to store the count.
A screen with large colour blocks is best
compacted using a lot of bits to store each
count, whereas a more detailed screen will
be most efficiently stored using fewer bits.
The process of saving the screen takes a
few seconds and is proportional to the size
of the screen. The size and memory
address of the start of the screen memory
are read ‘legally’ using the SWIs
‘OS.ReadVduVariables’ and ‘OS.Read.
Mode Variable’.
Listing 1 saves the assembled code as
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
Figure 3. Colour-filled maze
ScrUtils and sets the file type or &FFA.
Listing 2 is a short demonstration of
ScreenUtils. The module to ‘module’ is
loaded, a colourful pattern is drawn and
some text is displayed in the middle. Then
the screen is saved in full using "SCREEN-
SAVE and compacted using "SAVEPIC.
The compacted screen is reloaded and the
percentage reduction in size is calculated
using SWI ‘OS.File’ to read the lengths of
both the compacted and uncompacted ver-
sions of the pictures.
"SAVEPIC can be used in any screen
mode and "LOADPIC changes the mode
accordingly. A typical Zarch screen com-
pacts to about 10 per cent, which saves
about 70k of valuable disc space!
A SHORT
UTILITREE
The Arc’s "'COUNT command can be
used to display the files on a disc, but for a
more graphical and readable version why
rchimedes
HARNESS THE POWER
£ 49.95
The ARCHIMEDES toolkit was the first toolkit for the
Archimedes, it is still available for £39.95 but we have
improved on the original with TOOLKIT PLUS. All of the
previous favourites are there:
~ 10 Fast memory and disc editors
* 8 Fast memory and disc searches
* Fast scrolling disassembler
* Memory shift, swap and compare
AGET & aput disc sectors
* FASTLOAD & fastsave of screens
* A series of commands to list all SWis, give SWl numbers for
names and names for numbers.
§0
A host of commands to search a disc for filenames including
wildcards, specified f iletypes, files between specific dates or
a combination of these parameters, For instance you could
search a disc for all BASIC files starting with DEMO and saved
between 1/1/83 and 2/2/88.
§0
ARCHIVING so that you can backup files matching the
specified criteria above. You can then archive the files on
your hard disc to floppies for safety.
You need toolkit + so order today.
BUFFER MODULE £19.95
Also from Mike Shaw, the author of Toolkit + , comes a buffer
module. This has buffers for the printer, serial input and
serial output, Each buffer can be configured form 256 bytes
upto 1 megabyte. Whilst data is being printed you can carry
on working on your computer.
You can get control back from your printer in a fraction of
the normal time. Printouts that take a printer 4 or 5 hours
to print can be put in the buffer in minutes and you can then
carry on working on your computer. If yo want to save time
get this module now.
Compatible with 305, 310, 410 and 440.
98 Middlewich Rd
Northwich
Cheshire CW9 7DA
Tel: 0606 48511
ALL PRICES INCLUDE
VAT and P+P
OVERSEAS ORDERS
ADD £4
DON'T FORGET, YOU CAN ORDER WITH ACCESS CARD TOO!
£ 39.95
artisan is not just an art package it is the
art package for the Archimedes, we are
not going to bore you with lists of
features, just take a look at the picture to
see how good it is. Just to prove that we
aren’ t the only ones who think its good
take a look at what the magazines think:
friendlv life ha J'c «> be seen ^ N ,! S '"agio
faM Speed - »« lightning
acoffv ,,e„„ _ .
superior
ACORN USER February
’rnaUeT^^
<$&...
ifWaincd
I features. . many I
Package now °" bu >’ <5
1987 USER »ove mbc
/VRTlSAkN
recommend ^ january ^ ig 87 ;
^ esc rving of special mention is a facility called
1988 Magic Brush... a true cut and paste...
~ 'ARTISAN' wins hands down
ARCHIVE February 1988
f ARTISAN* represen^TTxceUciTTalue lor money
sunerblv designed pop up menus... very friendly.,
foolproof and quick to use' . . incredibly easy to use \
have been
A&B December 1987 & Jan uary 1988
ARTISAN SUPPORT DISC £19.95
Enhance the power of artisan with this support disc
containing many useful new utilities plus additional screens
and fonts. Features include:
* display module to create your own slide show' with 8
standard or user defined fades. The fades are used to merge
one picture into another just like TV. You control the speed
of the merge and you can even design your own fades with
the supplied definer.
* intecrex colour dumps-one standard and one high quality
* EPSON EX800 colour dump
* EPSON MONO dump
* pattern editor for mono dumps
* additional fonts & screens
All the utilities work with any Mode 12 screen and so you are
not limited to artisan screens.
Dave's been
down-under!
Unfortunately, they sent him back. His father did all he
could, but to no avail. Apparently David was beating
the Aussies at "Hopper - (as well as cricket) and they
didn't like it. Anyway, he's back, so if you come to see
our full range of BBC software and hardware, disc
drives, printers, monitors, cables etc, and you hear an
Australian accent, it will only be David showing off.
Actually, he sounds better than he used tol
NUMBER ONE IN BROMLEY
flore
6 Chatterton Road, Bromley, Kent. Tel.: 01-460 8991
ADE-F is a 65C00 series assembler system supporting all the mnemonics of the
65C12 plus the additional ‘Rockweir instructions ADE+ is fast, faster in fact
than the irvbuilt BASIC assembler and all rival products that we have tested.
The assembler produces absolute code that can be 4 RUN or linker modules
that can be merged with the output from other programs using the ADE-F
linker. ADE+ supports a powerful linker which drastically cuts assembly time;
a feature normally only found on minis and mainframes Full library support for
both the linker and the assembler is provided - fast searching for unknown
instructions in a random access macro library. A print spooling system uses
sideways RAM as a print buffer to eliminate waiting time; your listing runs off a
background job! Use the print spooler from BASIC or your own programs
ADE+ uses ALL available memory. With a second processor attached the 10
processor spare memory is used as a buffer to reduce the amount of disc
access All available memory is handled by ADE-F's intelligent memory
management module Use your own favourite editor or the one provided
Assemble from disc or memory. Full utilities include librarians converter for
BBC BASIC etc.
Features
- Runs on BBC B.B-F, Master. Compact.
ADFS, DFS, ANFS, NFS
• Full use of all available memory
- Intelligent memory management unit
- Automatic search for macros on disc
- Assemble absolute or relocatable code
• REPEAT..UNITL. WHILE. WENQ.etc
• Macros nestable to any depth
• Excellent error diagnostics
• Linker
• Editor and symbolic disassembler
provided
Access and Barclaycard welcome
Further information available
Versions and prices
Recommended lor Master Compact
ADE-F MMU and65COO series assemb-
lers on disc (3.5"ADFS) 32 K sideways
RAM required
£42.00 -Fvat
Recommended for BBC B.B+
ADE-f MMU and65C00 series assemb-
ler on 2 1 6K EPROMS with DFS 5.25"
utilities disc
£46.00 -fvat
Recommended lor Master 128, turbo
ADE-F MMU and65C00 seriesassemb-
ler on EPROM cartridge with 5.25” DFS
utility disc
£49.00 -Fvat
Please add £1.25 P&P per unit
Upgrades also available
SYSTEM
APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
DepL A
Fifth Floor. Sheaf House
Sheaf Street Sheffield SI 2BP
Tel: (0742) 768682
RAM MODULES
TAPE, DISC S NETWORK systems
★ Complete with software and write switch
★ Easy-fit, 35x1 8x1 4mm fully encased, no soldering
★ 32K dual socket version is ideal for ROM boards
★ ATPL versions adds extra 16/32k. 3-position switch
★ 32K single socket version for standard BBC ‘B’
★ Software includes full Load/Save/List ROMs, IfiK Clfi Qi
15K Printer buffer, Network easy-loader, View WP n . IO , Cn . . 00 „
driver generator. Full Documentation. UU2I oOCk6( 32K £25.91
Single Socket 32K £19.95
PRINTER SWITCH BOXES
★ Complete with all cables & connectors
★ Robust plastic case, 100 x50 x20mm
★ Selection by colour indicator button
★ Printed circuit board construction
★ Ready to use just plug in
RSI 2 BBC’S TO 1 PRINTER £31.50
PS2 1 BBC TO 2 PRINTERS £31.50
17M
« Quality modern style plastic case in beige/brown, size 205 x 1 45 x 40mm
★ Selection by push switches fitted
with colour change indicator buttons
★ Data buffers fitted to the 3.7m
cables for reliable data transfer.
The cables on the PS3 box are
1 x3.7m+2x 1.7m
★ Complete and ready to use - just plug in
D
£
%
PS3 3 BBC’s TO 1 PRINTER £59.50
PS4 4 BBC’s TO 1 PRINTER £69.50
(Please add £2 for each BBC Compact)
RCAH VIEW I
M i— ■ | — J
Please add 15% VAT Free P&P Send Cheques/PO/Official Orders to'
TERRELL ELECTRONICS. 7B Essex Gardens,
Hornchurch, Essex RM11 3EH. Tel: (04024) 71426
EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNT!
Archimedes Macro Assembler
Features:
* Full ARM Instruction Set Supported
* Powerful Macro Facility
* Conditional Assembly
* Free Upgrade
£34.50 (inc. VAT)
The Wingpass Assembler is designed to be used in con-
junction with the ANSI ’C’ Compiler. No linker is supplied.
Wingpass Ltd,
2 Milestone Rd, Knebworth, HERTS SG3 6DA
ASSEMBLY/MACHINE CODE
PROGRAMMERS REQUIRED
FOR BBC MICRO
10% - 50% ROYALTIES OFFERED
Apply for contract with C.V.
and 5V4 sample disc to:
P.O. BOX 3,
CLAYTON
BRADFORD
BD14 6SZ
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
51
ENTER THE EXCITING WORLDS OF
Worlds without Words
Dinosaur Discovery, Box of Treasures
Granny’s Garden, DragonWorld,
Flowers of Crystal, The Big Calculator
Zoopak, Tele -Book, Bush Rescue
"SEND A5 20pSAE FOR BROCHURE" V
4MATI0N EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ^
LINDEN LEA. ROCK PARK. BARNSTAPLE. DEVON EX32 9AQ
TELEPHONE: 0271 45566
ELECTRONIC MAILBOX TTNS 01:YNK045
7 A LOW COST DISC BASED
PROFESSIONAL
ACCOUNTING PROGRAM
For the BBC Computer
"Micro-Trader"
INTEGRATED SALES PURCHASE AND NOMINAL LEDGERS
Designed for business use by a business man. "Micro-Trader" offers full Sales and
Purchase Lodger facilities including SALES INVOICE and STATEMENT PRINTING
with a capacity of up to 1,000 accounts and 5,000 transactions per month.
Nominal Ledger features quick and easy entry of overyday transactions. Up to 6 Bank
Accounts, full V.A.T. facilities, Journal Posting. Full Reporting for individual accounts,
Audit Trail. Trial Balance, Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet.
"MICRO-STOCK"
Stock Control program, fully integrated with
"Micro-Trader". 4,000 Stock Items with user
defined Codes. Invoice and Credit Notes and
Cash Sales routine. Full Stock Held Reports.
£75.00 -+• V.A.T.
"EXTENDED PAYROLL"
Micro-Aid Full Feature Extended Payroll. For use
stand alone or integrated with "Micro-Trader".
£49.95 4- V.A.T.
"MICRO-MAILER"
A Mailmerge program, fully
integrated with "Micro-Trader”.
With a user Database.
£30.00 4- V.A.T.
EL
JA
rchimedes
PHONE TODAY FOR A FREE FACT SHEET
ttlEADOU) COmPUTERS
11. LONDON STREET. WHITCHURCH. HAMPSHIRE. RG?8 7 L H
Telephone: Whitchurch (0256) 892008
fllCRO ilEOIFl Computer Supplies Ltd.
Freepost, Dept. AU, Rydal Mount,
Baker St., Potters Bar, Herts. EN6 3BR
PI (5 lines) [■■■I
r \ ^1 Access & Visa Mgram
Computer Paper
Plain fanfold, micro perf edges
Size Weight 1000's Price per box
gsm perbxlbox 3bxs 5bx$
11x9'* 60 2000 14.50 13.90 12.90
11x9'* 60 1000 9.50 -
11x9’* 80 2000 19.75 18.10 16.75
11x9'* 80 1000 11.90 -
EXACT A4
HVix9/4 70 2000 20.50 19.25 18.30
90 1000 1390 12.85 1190
Computer Labels
Continuous fanfold, sprocket fed
Price per 1 000 1 000 3000 5000
70x362y.ix1 ; /i6 4,85 3.85 4.30
89x363'*xl 5.35 4.50 4.10
89x493'*x1 'Yift 7.50 6.60 5.90
Please slate no of labels across sheet (1 . 2 or 3)
Disc Storage Boxes
Price each 1 + 34 64
MD 1205'/.ix120 11.90 11.30 10.75
MD 1005/1x100 9.90 9 40 8.95
MD50 5'/ix50 7.50 7.10 6.75
Printer Stands Price each
Space Saver 80 col 30.50 28.50 26.95
132 col 35.50 32.90 31.25
Coaled Wire 80 col 13.70 12.75 11.85
132 col 15.70 14.60 13.60
Swivel Bases Price each
12" 55x280x260 mm 12.90 11,75 10.90
14" 55x355x320 mm 14.90 13.55 12.75
Printer Ribbons
Price each Ribbon 2 6 12
Acorn Ink Jel 2.79 255 2.45
Acorn API 00 2.85 2.65 2.45
Centronics GLP 365 3.45 3.15
R.BLGR.BR.Y 465 4.40 4 00
Canon 1080/1156 2.99 2.85 2 70
R.BLGR.BR.Y 4 95 465 4.25
Citizen 120D ' 4.70 4 35 4 15
Epson MX FXRX80FX800 3.35 3.20 305
R.BLGR.BR.Y 470 4 45 4 25
MX 1 00/FX 1 000/FX 1 05 390 3.70 3.50
R.BL.BR 4,95 4.70 4.50
LX 80/86. GX 80 280 2.65 2.40
R.BLGR.BR.Y 3.65 3.45 3.30
EX 800 5.98 5.65 5.20
Juki 6 100 MS 2.85 2.70 2.60
Kaga KP810/910 2.99 2.85 2.70
R.BLGR.BR.Y 4.95 4.65 4.25
Panasonic KXP 4 65 4.40 4.20
R.BLGR.BR.Y 6.50 620 585
ShlnwaCP80MS 4 10 385 355
Star NL 10 525 4 95 4.70
R.BLGR.BR.Y 615 5.85 555
Please mix colours and types for best prices
R - Red. BL Blue. GR Green. BR = Brown.
Y - Yellow
If the ribbon you require Is not listed
please let us quote.
S'A Unbranded Discs
25 50 100 250
SS/DD 9.30 18.40 34.60 73.60
DS/40T 10.40 19.60 36.30 76.25
DS/80T 12.20 23.10 43.10 90.85
DSHDPCATs 39.90 71.45 133.55 293.25
5Va Coloured Discs
DS/40T 12.45 23.55 39.95 91.50
DS/80T 13.45 25.40 47.40 99.95
5Va Reversible
2 Index Holes & Notches
DS/80T 15.50 28.50 55.00 125.00
3 Vfc 10 20 50 100
DSDD 11.90 22.90 54.55 104.35
5’/4 Branded Discs
SS/DD 6.40 12.10 28.30 51.70
DS/40T 7.50 14.15 33.15 61.30
DS/80T 8.50 15.95 36.25 71.25
DS/HDPCATs 17.90 34.30 81.20 149.80
REVERSIBLE 9.75 18.50 43.85 81.50
All discs supplied are with labels 5'/T write protects,
envelopes & hub rings 100% certified error free
lifetime guarantee.
Vh Branded mesoww: Discs
SS/DD 13.70 26.90 64.40 122.60
DSDD 14.90 28.60 68.20 130.50
DSHD 38.95 74.25 176.80 327.80
0707 52698
Out of Office Hours (Answer Machine)
Orders despatched 24 hrs
Please allow 5 days for delivery
For guaranteed next day delivery please
ring - from £1 ,50 extra.
Postage covers UK only.
ALL PRICES INCLUSIVE OF DELIVERY
AND VAT
Personal callers welcome
Weekdays 8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturdays 9.30am - 1 .00pm
SPRING CATALOGUE
OUT NOW 16 PAGES
Please ring or write for your free copy.
Wire Printer Stand
adjusts by front
dial turn 360°
Tilt up &
down 25°
refolding of paper
mi run mcnio.miron memo _ mirpf i mpril
I III l\U I IUJII I I IILI\U I IUJII I I IILI\U I H-UII
80 col HI 00 W310 D61 0mm
132 col HI 00 W430 D610mm
iTiirnn memo
"I IIU\U I IUJII i "
MD 1 20 Static MD100
mirnn mrnio mi mom mrmio
I IIU\U I IUJII I “/ IIU\U I IUJII I
52
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
Supports 8k, 32k, 128k RAMs
Supports 32k RAMs
Complete ROM filing system
Limited ROM filing system
Automatic device type detection
Manual link device selection
Automatic device configuration
Manual command configuration
Fast file transfer (280k bytes/sec)
Slow file load (30k bytes/sec)
o iiica upcu <
Complete RAM filing system
NO RAM filing system
7 RAMs maximum
2 RAMs maximum
The two ROM boards may look alike
7 ROMs maximum or
w
5 ROMs maximum
Multiple boards extend RAM filing system
896k RAM maximum per board
Price £49.00 + VAT
Not possible
64k RAM possible per board
Price £59.00 + VAT
The potential for Archimedes software without a ROM podule is severely limited . There will be many ROM
based programs in future , in addition to INTER-WORD, SHEET, CHART and SPELL-MASTER, which are
already available . Remember, ROM based programs on the Archimedes still have many of the same
advantages over disc based programs that they had on the BBC; programs load faster, they are more reliable,
they are permanently available and, most important, such programs can use overlay techniques to save a
large proportion of the available memory. Consider running a document processor, spelling checker, drawing
program and perhaps a thesaurus; the total program size could easily be over BOOK — totally impractical, even
on a 1 Meg machine .
In addition the Computer Concepts’board can be used as a very fast RAM filing system, and our experience is
that many boards are used for this. A program that uses the floppy disc intensively will gain from the RAM
filing system, which is about 10 times faster than floppy :
Our board is fast, cheap, flexible, expandable and easy to use. We also provide a no quibble money back
guarantee. In a comparison, the facts speak for themselves.
Please note: A backplane must be fitted in order to install-
any podule expansion card.
<e
Computer Concepts Ltd
Gaddesden Place, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 6EX Telephone 0442 63933
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
53
OFFERS
PROGRAMMER’S LANGUAGE
THE C HANDBOOK
Get into C with Acorn The comprehensive
User and save £13. guide to C
Acorn User readers can now have Beebug C and the Beebug C
Stand Alone Generator for only £64.95, saving £13. Beebug C is
a full implementation of the C language to the Kernighan and
Ritchie standard, including a number of powerful extensions.
Beebug C produces fast, compact code and supports full
floating point maths.
★ Runs on a standard 32k BBC model B, B+ or Master 128
★ Supports Acorn operating system (Mode, Osbyte, VDU, etc.)
★ Powerful command line interpreter with over 20 commands
★ Expandable run-time library on disc containing approximately
100 functions
★ Full macro-handling facilities
Readers who take advantage of this Acorn User offer will also
receive Stand Alone Generator. This add-on to Beebug C
produces stand alone code which will run on any BBC or Master
computer (memory permitting). It is supplied on a dual format
disc which also contains a number of trig functions.
Beebug C comes on a ROM with a library disc and user guide.
I Please send me copies of Beebug C, with the Stand
Alone Generator at £64.95 plus £1.50 p&p.
I Please circle as appropriate: 40/80-track or 3.5 inch for Master
| Compact.
A behind the scenes storm has quietly been sweeping the
microcomputer world during the last few years: it is the C
programming revolution.
Mark Burgess has just completed perhaps the most compre-
hensive guide to C ever written. In a mammoth 512 pages he
introduces the C philosophy in a highly readable no-nonsense
manner. Step by step, page by page, you ascend the C ladder
with simple illustrated and documented programs.
With 37 chapters, six appendices and glossary this book is
amazing value for money. Programs from the book and many
other useful utilities can be found on the program disc which
comes with a user guide. Don't miss out - add this important
publication to your library now.
Please send me copies of C: A Dabhand Guide at £14.95
copies of C and5.25 inch disc at £18.95
copies of C and 3.5 inch disc at £19.95
copies of C and 5.25 inch disc for PC (Master 512) at £19.95.
Please circle as appropriate: 40/80-track/ADFS/DFS/BBC/MASTER/
COMPACT/ARCHIMEDES
I enclose my cheque/postal order for £ made payable to
Dabs Press
| □ I enclose my cheque/postal order made payable to Beebug for £ — | □ Please debit my Access/Barclaycard £_
i □ Please charge my Access/Barclaycard/Connect account £
'ACCOUNT NO EXPIRY DATE ACCOUNT NO
I mm i i nm mm i r m mmirr m rm
EXPIRY DATE
t u p :
u
m
| NAME
l ADDRESS
NAME
ADDRESS
SIGNED
POSTCODE
DATE
POSTCODE
SIGNED DATE
Send this coupon with your remittance to C Language , Acorn User Merchandising, Send this coupon with your remittance to C Book, Acorn User Merchandising, Redwood
I Redwood Publishing Ltd, 20-26 Brunswick Place, London N1 6DJ. I Publishing Ltd, 20-26 Brunswick Place, London N1 6DJ.
54
ACORN USl-R AUGUST I98S
ILLUSTRATION BY AXEL SCHEFFLF.R
JOE’S JOniNGS
GET
PLOTTED
Plotting graphs can be a tedious exercise - especially if you have to draw them by hand.
Let your micro do the hard work
Joe Telford
‘It worked all right yesterday/ said my
wife, peering at our flexible friend. I passed
around a wad of papers containing lists of
figures provided by last month’s Jottings
spreadsheet. ‘But Daddy/ breathed my
darling daughter, ‘I don’t understand these
figures. I can’t see how such little numbers
could make you so worried.’ Thus went a
recent meeting of the Telford Financial
Committee. But it might not be your
family fortunes that mean you want to use
a spreadsheet; it could be the need to assess
home heating efficiency, or the conversion
rate for drachmas for the Greek holiday.
You might want to compare the tempera-
ture and rainfall of Corfu with that of
Consett, and in all these items the common
thread is interpretation.
Graphs are unlike raw numbers; they are
understandable. Their shape indicates far
more than the figures themselves do.
It’s a back-breaking task to draw graphs,
because it is mechanical. The human ele-
ment is the interpretation of the graph, and
because of this the less time you spend
drawing it the better. This is an obvious
application and quite straightforward for
the computer to take on board.
Rather than design a graphics package
which would draw graphs all alone, I felt
the spreadsheet developed in the July issue
of Acorn User could contain the data to be
graphed. So an add-on graphing package
could be developed into the same user
interface and data structures. The key
criteria were:
■ To be simple to use
■ To integrate and be fully compatible
with the original spreadsheet
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
55
Acorn^ CENTRE
OF THE NORTH!!
For all your Acorn Supplies, at the best possible prices
e.g.l
MASTER 128 only
....£411.58
CUMANA CS400 D/Drive only
...£133.92
AMSTRAD DMP2160 PRINTER
(inc BBC lead)
£157.08
BEAT THE PRICE INCREASE:
ARCHIMEDES 310M Colour
£1067.66
THIS MONTHS SPECIAL OFFER:
COMPACT PROFESSIONAL colour,
call Today for an unbeatable price!!
71-77 Warrington, Ashton-in-Maker,
near Wigan WN4 PRJ
Price List — Education June 1988
Whittle Systems
F or APPROVED
YOUR NIMBUS PC distributor
Expansion
HARDWARE
CSR200 5.25" DSDD external floppy drive £124.00
EXTERNAL WINCHESTERS
CXM10 10 Megabyte exchangeable cartridge £499.00
CRM30 30 Megabyte £555.00
CRM40H 40 Megabyte, high speed £850.00
CRM60H 60 Megabyte, high speed £935.00
CXM10 + 30 10 Megabyte exchangeable + 30 Megabyte fixed £999.00
Surcharge for 2nd/3rd External £20.00
CABLES
DTI modem cable £9.95
Serial Printer cable £9.95
Low cost parallel port printer cable £9.95
8 bit parallel printer cable £19.95
Internal & external Winchester adaptor cable £25.00
Internal & external Floppy adaptor cable £29.95
MEDIA
10 Mb cartridges for CXM10 each £25.00
box of 3 £66.00
SOFTWARE
NIMBUS VIEWDATA III Complete local Viewdata package £125.00
NIMBUS VIEWDATA II to NIMBUS VIEWDATA III upgrade £30.00
TRAPDOOR The ultimate debugging aid £49.95
(also available for IBM PC. APRICOT. PC. XI. XEN)
ZEM Z80 CP/M Emulator £49.95
Network prico on application All prices exclude P & P and Vat.
53, Bcssclslcigll Roatl, Tel 0865 736488
Wootton, Fax 0865 736835
Abingdon, Oxford 0X13 6I)X.
SATELLITE PICTURES ON YOUR BEER!
With one of our high performance weather satelite
receiving stations you can receive and display
up-to-the-minute weather satellite pictures from
American, European, or Russian satellites!
The systems are suitable for
BBC models B, B+ & Master
WXSAT
A complete hardware and software package comprising MSA20 aerial, MSR20 receiver, and
MSS20 decoder/interface with WXSAT software package. In a recent review by Radio &
Electronics World Magazine they concluded “...have reviewed four different weather satellite
receiving stations in the past two years, varying in price from £400 to around £800, but this one
must surely beat the lot." £1 82 . 04 + VAT
PRICE LIST
NET CARR
& INS
MSR20 Receiver
106.12
6.00
MSA20 X-Dipole Aerial
21.70
5.00
WXSAT Basic Station
182.04
7.20
MSS20 Interface
74.95
1.50
MSG20 Graphstore
347.75
6.00
MSD20 Dish Aerial
121.50
15.00
MSC20 Down Converter
138.65
1.50
ADD 15% V AT TO ALL ORDERS
A high resolution (512 pixel x 512 line x 128 greyscale) digital framestore/graphics processor
of unparalleled performance. Coupled to the BBC Micro and MSR20, satellite receiver is
capable of viewing weather satellite pictures as never before. Powerful features include
zooming, scrolling, film mode, text overlay, picture enhancements.
Complete with software package £347.75 + VAT
Remote Sensing
08 Queen's Road, Farnborough, Hants GUI 4 6JR Tel. (0252) 51 5666 Telex: 859489 (MARTLC G)
56
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
JOE’S JOTTINGS
■ To contain full prompts for all actions
■ To embody the key elements of all
graphics packages.
I decided as much information as possible
should be converted directly from any
previously designed spreadsheet, so the
only typed input would have to be the title
of the graph.
How it works
As with last month’s spreadsheet, this
package is designed on the ‘see-do-inform’
principle -once an action has been initiated,
messages keep you informed on how to
progress next. All the initial commands are
accessed through the red function keys,
sometimes in association with the Shift or
CTRL keys. As with the spreadsheet, this
program does not have a ‘command mode’ -
such modes are confusing in the early stages
of learning.
Messages explain what the system is
doing at any point and any problems that
occur should pop-up in the message space at
the top of the sheet.
Right from the beginning, the philosophy
•that graphs are about interpretation and
comparison requires that more than one
graph should be visible. So this package has
data ready for two graphs which can appear
on screen either separately or together. In
addition there is a range of graph types,
some of which are more applicable to
certain types of data than others. The
program on the yellow pages has pie charts,
bar graphs and line graphs in its repertoire.
Like last month’s spreadsheet, the main
filing tasks are cataloguing a disc, loading
and saving files, plus deleting files. These
tasks should be self-explanatory once in-
voked. In addition, the spreadsheet should
work on any currently selected filing sys-
tem. With ADFS or NFS, directories S and
N need to be created.
It is important to be able to print out a
hard copy of the graphs which the package
generates, so an Epson-compatible four-
tone screen dump is included in the prog-
ram. However, you can easily replace this
with a star-command if you have a screen
dump ROM, or with your own favourite
mode 1 screen dump.
With any graphing package, it is essential
to classify and scale the data in some way.
This is performed by automatic scaling of
the numerical axis - the program searches
for the highest values among the data and
plots the axes accordingly.
The two graphs must be clearly separated
using different colours, and a ‘key’ function
allows each axis to be labelled from the
You don’t have to enter any new data to produce graphs - this bar chart was drawn from
information stored in Joe’s spreadsheet
Figure 1. Data loaded from the spreadsheet is plotted as a bar chart
contents of the appropriate spreadsheet slot.
The title can be added to the finished graph
by a simple three-line input via a ‘title’
function key.
Using the graphics package
Because the program is so large, you must
be very careful typing it into memory. Once
the program is entered, save it onto the
same disc as the spreadsheet from last
month’s Acorn User. You might use the
filename GRAPH. Do this first so that your
work isn’t accidentally lost.
This will still allow you to save about 14
spreadsheets on DFS, 47 on ADFS or
hundreds with NFS.
On a hierarchical filing system like ADFS
or NFS, you need two extra directories, S
and N. S is for files holding the text and
formulae for the spreadsheet, while N is for
files which hold the actual numbers. When
you have these set up, the next stage is to
build an autoboot file as follows:
*DPT4,3
♦BUILD ! BOOT
0001 *KEY 0 MODE 129:
CHAIN "SPREAD” !M
0002 *KEY 1 MODE 123:
CHAIN "GRAPH” !M
0003 CLS: PRINT’ "fO =
Spreadsheet "-f 1 = Graph
package"
ESCAPE
Now whenever you press Shift-Break the
prompt on screen allows you to start the
appropriate program.
There are a number of functions available
for us to use in the graphics package. Some,
like the cursor keys, filing, restart and exit
keys arc identical to the spreadsheet, while
others, like the Print key, have extended
functions. All the functions share the same
physical location as those on the function
key overlay strip. Those unique to the
graphics package are all accessed through a
combination of holding down CTRL plus a
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
57
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
JOE’S JOTTINGS
function key. The complete overlay, which
can be used for both packages, is shown on
page 61.
The cursor keys allow movement around
the sheet, and are crucial to the mechanism
for selecting graphical data. Using CTRL
with the cursor keys causes the cell cursor
to jump quickly to the left and right edges
of the sheet or to the top and bottom. The
Shift key in conjunction with the cursor
keys move the cell cursor four slots at a
time. Remember that the package is written
in Basic so functions like redrawing the
screen take a little time.
Filing
All the red keys which affect filing are
shared with the spreadsheet and work in
exactly the same way. Pressing f4 at any
time catalogues the current disc, concentrat-
ing on the S directory. Anything in here
should be a loadable spreadsheet file. The
Space bar brings you back to the spread-
sheet program. Key f5 allows you to save
the spreadsheet. When pressed, a message
asks you for the filename. Simply type a
filename of up to seven letters and press
Return. After a while the files will be saved.
If a problem arises, such as a full disc or
catalogue, or if a file already exists with the
same name, you will be informed and can
take appropriate action - by deleting the file
for example.
With all these filing functions, simply
pressing Return instead of a filename will
show a catalogue of the disc. Press Space
then type in a filename.
Like the spreadsheet, you can delete all
the data by restarting the whole package.
To do this, press Shift-f9 and answer the
message with Y. The program will restart
after a while. Pressing f9 by itself issues a
‘Do you really want to end?’ message.
Press Y at this point will bring you back to
Basic. These keys are shared with the
spreadsheet.
Using the graphing functions
The first thing to do is to load the spread-
sheet from which the graph(s) will be
drawn. Let’s assume it looks like figure 1.
The next stage is to decide which graphs
you require. Let’s assume you need a
comparison of sales in the first halves of
1987 and 1988. You can start by pressing
CTRL-fO, the ‘title’ key. You then have
three lines in which to write this title - and
you could enter the information as:
Sales Figures
First Half Year
1987 compared to 1988
Once done, an ‘Is this OK?’ message
appears. Press Y to confirm or N to
re-enter details. Once the details are final-
ised, they will appear automatically centred
on the top three lines of the graph screen.
Now you need to set up the horizontal
axis labels for both graphs, and here you
might need to record the months as col-
umn titles. The column of months is called
the ‘legend’, and you start this off by
pressing CTRL-fl. You are prompted to
move to the start of the legend, then to
press Return. This is done using the cursor
keys to move the cell cursor to ‘Jan’ on the
spreadsheet display, then Return is pressed.
When the message changes, and prompts
you to move to the end of the legend,
move down the column to ‘June’ and press
Return. This identifies the legend as part of
the column.
Now press CTRL-f3 the ‘key’ key. A
message asks which graph this key is for.
Answer with 1, then follow the next in-
struction to move to the slot containing the
key and press Return. The slot is the one
containing T987Sale’.
Adding data
You start data collection by pressing
CTRL-f2. First you arc asked to tell the
computer which graph you are collecting
data for. You can do this by pressing the
number key 1. Now you are prompted to
move the cursor to the start of the data, then
press Return. The data or graph 1 starts
under the ‘ 1 987Sale’ heading opposite ‘Jan’,
and we move to this point. After pressing
Return, the message then asks you to move
to the end of the data for graph 1 and to
press Return. In this case, you should move
the cursor down the column to the figure
opposite ‘June’ and press Return. This
identifies the six data values for graph 1.
To select the second set of data press
CTRL-f3. A message asks which graph this
key is for. Answer with 2, then follow the
next instruction to move to the slot contain-
ing the key text and press Return. The slot
is ‘1988sale’. Move there, press Return and
you have set the key for graph 2. Then press
CTRL-f2 again, and once more you are
asked to tell the computer what graph you
are collecting data for. Answer with the
number 2. Now you are told to move to the
start of the data, then press Return. The
data for graph 2 starts under the T988sale’
heading opposite ‘Jan’, so move to this
point and press Return. Then fix the end of
the data by moving the cursor down to the
figure opposite ‘June’, as before, and pres-
ing Return.
Selecting and printing the graph
Now comes the easy part. Simply choose
the graph representation you wish to use,
and press the function keys accordingly:
CTRL-f4 for a pie chart, CTRL-f5 for a bar
chart, or CTRL-f6 for a line graph.
Once the option is selected, the prompt
asks whether you want to draw graph 1 or
2, or both. Press 1, 2 or B. Note, though,
that the ‘B’ must be a capital letter. Then the
ACORN US ILK AUGUST 1988
59
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
JOES JOTTINGS
The same data again, as a line graph
appropriate graph is drawn, complete with
keys, legend and title.
Note that the pie chart option does not
use a legend, although it is useful to know
that the pie chart is drawn anticlockwise
from 12 o’ clock, so that the sectors could
be identified if necessary. Any pie chart can
have up to 20 sectors before the colour
patterns start to repeat.
Of course, you need to print out graphs,
and the simplest way to do this is by using a
screen dumping procedure. The letter P
flashes in the bottom left-hand corner of the
screen whenever the facility to print the
screen contents is available. Make sure that
an Epson-compatible printer is available,
properly connected and set at the top of the
page, then press the Print key on the
function key overlay. This is f8, and is one
of the keys shared by the spreadsheet and
the graphics package. Notice that in the
spreadsheet this key gives a print-out of the
whole sheet in columns and rows, or in
terms of cell contents, but cannot print any
screen graphics. In the graphics package, the
key only functions when a graph plus a
flashing P is on screen. It will only dump
the current screen to printer.
Once Print has been pressed, the printer
should stutter briefly (if it doesn’t it might
not be on-line) and the flashing P will
become a steady * to indicate printing is in
progress. I decided to include this facility
because the Basic routine for dumping is
very slow. It should run faster on an Arc.
Eventually the screen will be dumped,
and the explanation key (if used) will
match the colours on both graphs, so they
can be separated. Note, however, that the
final print-out is tone-reversed: white and
black are reversed on the hard copy, while
the red graph axes are very light indeed.
Once the print-out is performed, the
flashing P reappears, and a further print-
out of the same graph can be done. Or you
can return to the spreadsheet to set up
another graph. To do this simply press the
space bar. Do not press Escape!
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
One possible alteration to the program
would be to have to three graphs available
instead of two, and to use red for the third
graph, with yellow for the axes. I’m sure
that you expert users can deliver the goodies
yourselves. A little hint is to search for
arrays that are dimensioned as arrayname
(2), and arrange for element (0) to contain
info about the third graph!
Remember I suggested in the last issue
that the spreadsheet can be considered to be
a long roll of paper which you can pull
through a viewing area (the screen) in
windows of four columns by 25 rows? This
program actually extends this idea by
adding two extra areas, one on the left of the
sheet and one on the right, which have no
rows or columns. These are available as
graphing areas.
Knowing where these areas are is useful,
if for example the automatic exit from the
graph page doesn’t take place (eg, because
you hit Escape during a print-out). You can
recover the spreadsheet simply by using
Shift right, then Shift left, or in some cases
Shift left, then Shift right.
Complex graphing
It is just possible to display two graphs
from different sheets, for example in the
situation where monthly figures for a year
are on two different graphs. The process is
as follows:
■ Load first sheet
■ Select key slot for graph 1
■ Select data for graph 1
■ Select legend for both graphs
■ Load second sheet
■ Select key slot for graph 2
■ Select data for graph 2 (NB, matching
row, column and number of items)
■ Add title
■ Graph both
Combining the programs
If you’ve got enough memory, the whole
package including the spreadsheet program
could be combined to run in one unit. It is
important to realise that both programs
make large memory demands because of the
array of structures used. Anyone consider-
ing combining the programs should consid-
er shortening the variable names, altering
the main spreadsheet data-structure and
using either BAS128 on a Master or a
co-processor with HiBasic.
So now we’ve got Lotus 1-2-3.
For the one or two readers who have
asked me why I haven’t yet produced
HyperCard on the BBC Master. I fully
intend to get down to it as soon as possible.
61
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
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/. Winchester Unit -(winchester drive, controller boards, power supply and fan all fitted in one
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2. Master Reference manual part I (for a BBC B or B plus you will require the Acorn ADFS ROM
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ILLUSTRATIONS BY GARY POWELL
ADVENTURES
VENTURE
INTO TIME
In the first of a three-part series, we look at how the adventure game has developed
and bring you the exciting Warlord on disc
T he adventure game is dead - long
live the adventure game! Like pap-
er in the office, like mail that gets
delivered through the letter box in
the morning, like black-and-white
newspaper, and even like books, the text
adventure game has been declared dead.
But it refuses to lie down. The prophets of
the future, with their paperless offices,
electronic mail, on-line news and compact-
disc books, predict that we will move on to
newer and better ways of doing things,
forgetting that there is usually a place for
the old and familiar. We still ride horses,
even though we use cars or planes, because
it is a relaxing and pleasurable activity.
So with the adventure game. It has given
rise to offspring as varied as that famous
adventure with graphics, The Hobbit , from
Melbourne House, and purely graphical
games with adventurous objectives and
puzzles like Superior Software's Citadel .
There are also the multi-user dungeons like
the famous one from Essex University, and
even adventure parks that have nothing to
do with computers but borrow their ideas
and puzzles from adventures. All these
.owe some debt to the original adventure by
Crowther and Woods.
No-one writes or sells games like Pac-
Man any more. The arcades are now full of
games that go on and on, puzzle beyond
puzzle, scene after scene. People like varie-
ty, something new opening up as each
problem is solved, doors opening into
secret gardens. In short, even in the arcade-
type games that are nothing but graphics
and movement, timing and skill, people
want adventure. Think what Frak! or Rep-
ton would be without the element of
exploration. In 1988, adventure is every-
where. Yet with all the excitement of the
arcade adventures, multi-user dungeons or
adventure parks, the original text adventure
still has a very special place. Neither the
cinema nor television is quite the same as
opening the first page of an unread novel.
And nothing will substitute for settling
down at the computer terminal to load in
the first frame of a new text adventure.
These are games that can take you back-
wards and forwards in time, into fairyland,
or on hilarious holidays to the Costa
Brava; to strange planets or haunted man-
sions, slaying dragons or tracking down
murderers. Yet they are games that never
hurry you, games you can savour and take
your time over, games you can leave when
you will and take up again where you left
off. They are among the most relaxing
computer programs ever written - the
equivalent of the folk tale told around the
camp fire. Perhaps one day the adventure
game will find its Homer, someone who
will perfect and define it for all time.
But perhaps the original Adventure was
already near to perfection: ‘The glowing
rock fills the farthest reaches of the cavern
with a blood-red glare, giving everything
an eerie, macabre appearance. The air is
filled with flickering sparks of ash and a
heavy smell of brimstone. The walls are
hot to the touch, and the thundering of the
volcano drowns out all other sounds.
Embedded in the jagged roof far overhead
are myriad twisted formations composed
of pure white alabaster, which scatter the
murky light into sinister apparitions on the
walls. The one side is a deep gorge, filled
with a bizarre chaos of tortured rock
which seems to have been crafted by the
devil himself. An immense river of fire
crashes out of the depths of the volcano,
burns its way through the gorge, and
plummets into a bottomless pit far off to
your left. To the right, an immense geyser
of blistering steam erupts continuously
from a barren island in the centre of a
sulphurous lake. . . 5
The prose may be purple, but imagine
that greeting after several dozen tricky
puzzles. If you have played the original
Adventure , you won’t have to imagine -
you will surely remember arriving at the
volcano cavern for the first time. There is
no experience quite like finally cracking a
problem in an adventure, and being re-
warded by entering a new and exciting
location, leading on to further parts of the
game. In the end, every adventure is in
essence a series of locked doors to which
you must find the keys.
That first adventure was written just 10
years ago in Fortran on a DEC mainframe,
by Willie Crowther and Don Woods.
Shortly after, Scott Adams fitted it into a
16k micro, and went on to write some of
the best adventures around. Some of the
games that experienced players consider
landmarks in the brief 10-year history of
the genre are the Zork series from In-
64
ACORN USKR AUGUST 1988
ADVENTURES
focom, The Hobbit published by Mel-
bourne House and the adventures pro-
duced for the BBC micro by Level 9 some
years ago; these include a good version of
the Crowther and Woods original - Col-
ossal Adventure. Acornsoft brought out
some small but well-known adventures
when the BBC micro was young: Philo-
sophers' Quest , Kingdom of Ramil and
Castle of Riddles. Derek Haslam’s Gate-
way to Karos , also published by Acornsoft,
is one of the best adventures ever written
specifically for the BBC micro. In spite of
this, he cannot find a publisher for the
sequel, Mirror of Khoronz , which is a great
loss to adventure lovers. And there’s also
the huge Acheton , the first disc-only BBC
adventure.
The truth is that most of the technical
innovations used to ‘improve’ the adven-
ture game are not essential. The program
tells you where you are, and waits for you
to type in some instruction, such as
MOVE NORTH or TAKE GOLD, to say
what you want to do next. Of course, the
technical wizards have taken this simple
formula and added much sophistication,
such as the use of more than two words for
input, complex ‘parsing’ programs so that
the player can almost type in ordinary
English, and creatures that move around in
the adventure, apparently with wills of
their own. But even the first adventure had
axe-throwing dwarfs, the pirate and the
troll, and a single long sentence is usually
just a sequence of two-word commands.
Perhaps the only pleasure that compares
with playing adventures is writing them.
You need a good adventure generator
program, since you don’t want mere tech-
nicalities to inhibit your literary or puzzle-
constructing flair - several have been pub-
lished for the BBC micro. The February
1984 issue of Acorn User contained the
listing of a Basic adventure by Joe Telford,
which you could modify. The rest depends
on imagination, a sense ot humour, the gift
of lateral thinking, and more than a little
inspiration. You must be able to write well
since there is nothing as annoying as play-
ing an adventure full of spelling mistakes.
On this month’s disc there is the first
part of a massive disc-based adventure that
I wrote in 1984 with Graham Williams.
The Warlord was originally published in a
different form on cassette by BBC Soft,
but in its new clothes is available to Acorn
User readers who buy both this month’s
and next month’s listings discs.
Graham provided an ambitious script
which clearly could not fit into the mem-
ory of an unexpanded model B, even using
the most sophisticated modern text com-
pression techniques. Nevertheless, the plan
of the adventure was magnificent and the
quirky humour was exactly pitched to
appeal to adventure-lovers. The final game
could be played either as two interlinked
adventures on a 32k model B, or as a single
seamless adventure of 54k on disc, using
overlays. Before text compression, the total
size of the adventure was over 100k. It had
more than 200 locations, with scores of
words being understood and the command
entry system understanding or parsing up
to four words, for instance ‘place screw-
driver in crucible’.
The integrated disc version of The War-
lord has six overlays, that is, at six points in
the adventure the disc drive will turn on
and a new series of locations will be loaded
in. The whole adventure is written in a
special compressed pseudocode interpreted
by a machine code program that operates
at high speed: effectively, the micro is
turned into an ‘adventure processor’ at the
lowest level possible. The machine code
replaces the Basic language, the pseudo-
code ‘adventure’ effectively replaces the
Basic program.
On this month’s disc, in directory W, is
the interpreter, all the data files needed for
getting the adventure up and running, and
the first three of the six overlays. It would
be a good idea to put all the Warlord files
in directory W, along with the overlays,
onto a fresh disc, so you have room to save
your positions. You can play the first half
of the adventure right away, and next
month you can copy the remaining three
overlays over from directory W, and con-
tinue the game to the end. You must keep
the disc in the drive at all times, because of
the overlays. If the disc is missing, the
error message ‘disc:’ will appear. Put the
right disc in, and press Return.
To play the game, when the arrow
prompt appears simply type in anything
that comes into your head. You can move
north (N), south (S), east (E) or west (W),
and in some locations up (U), down (D),
left (L), right (R), back (B) or forwards (F),
enter (EN) or exit (X). All the action
words in the adventure can be shown on
screen by typing HELP. Apart from the
direction words, everything must be typed
in full, without abbreviation.
The aim of the game is to collect certain
objects that your time-travelling friend
Tim Trevyl will need right at the end.
Which objects? Well, that’s for you to
discover! The first part of the adventure is
set in the future in Tim Tre.vyl’s time
machine; the second part is set on the night
before the battle of Waterloo in Belgium.
Typing STORE will save the present
position in the game, while RESTORE
does just that - restores the stored situa-
tion. You will get killed quite a few times
at the beginning of the game, since much of
the adventure’s sense of humour is tied up
with finding amusing ways to bump you
off! When you get killed, press 1 to restart
the game from the beginning, or 2 to carry
on from the last position you stored.
To save your position on disc, type
SAVE a, SAVE b or SAVE with any other
letter from a to z. The file will be saved (as
War-a and so on). You can save up to 26
positions and reload any of them using
LOAD followed by the correct letter.
You will find the game becomes progres-
sively more difficult, culminating in over-
lay six which is extremely hard. If you are
one of those players who do not like to get
stuck for hours with an insoluble problem,
hints and answers for the first three over-
lays will be found in coded form on pages
67 and 69. Find the question that best
expresses your current frustration, type the
command DC and when a question mark
appears, carefully type each character of
the Hint (H) or Answer (A) that follows
your question. Provided you make no
mistakes, the hint or answer to the prob-
lem should be decoded on screen as you
type. Be very careful to distinguish be-
tween O and 0, I and 1, and the hyphen
and underline symbols.
Good luck, and happy adventuring.
There will be more about The Warlord
next month - how it works and how it was
created. In the meantime, here are some of
the odder quirks to look out for: I am
mentioned in the adventure, and so are two
other people who work for or write in
Acorn User - see if you can find us.
Warlord is only available on the monthly
disc. We regret that the length of the
program makes it impossible to include in
the yellow pages.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
65
COLOUR JET 132
HIGH PERFORMANCE COLOUR INK JET PRINTER
(compatible with IBM pc ; BBC micro, Nimbus etc.)
★ PRINTS ALL 64 SCREEN COLOURS FROM CGA AND EGA USING
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ULTRA
LOW
IMOISE
ADVENTURES
WARLORD HINTS
Q: I GET LOST IN THE MIST
H: =KH7 : AC@T) JM$=M9>M=F>\
A: @HQ . ACB4$496F99Y05MA<? !
Q: I NEED SOME MONEY
H: EC@<U&ICN ! . 7§?H9)@@A
A: '@@[ER44=[T9X:A-BH$
Q: I KEEP DROWNING IN THE MARSH
H: R6FK(9U/[320L96F=N36>AL?M4;@Q,CHX
A: LA5C@T ' HQ. ACB4$496F99Y05MA<? !
Q: I NEED SOME GOLD
H : M4 = [ , 5M6HCC2# , M$=T2AL1MN ( 9RM#E9Q ; "
A: M>GG44=[ )E@RM3 . AEL44=["?S@89AC<G8+
Q: I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING IN THE DARK
H: R6FK . 7@?\ ! R06JA-M5B*
A: ?CE6\ !_, 5LCP!M6\, =>ALL)K[
Q: I NEED SOME MORE SILVER
H: ?CIAAL ' >0L , I . HNG7 2K4X ' H=8 +
A: M4=M3[)JM!_"S?§;?R)ER!_ / C4H:?\2=@>"
Q: I GET BLOWN UP BY THE MINE
H: GAEL/?>MG ' H=8\ ) JM/7Z6+KI0*
A: =K?Y-L4-J: [ !MK; 4AE9Y&L=>S44=M3*
Q: I NEED A THIRD SILVER BUTTON
H: H?7[7*RM$N=A@5?\/G/MN ! 0B3>FG9:B*
A: EC@<U$KH7R ) ER44= [ 2/U3E7 *
Q: I GET SHOT BY A DEAD TROOPER
H: L2MD/NM96FK27>ALL&ICN,C@E5E9 (
A: EC@<U%GG2R1=M3 [&ICN !_7 . <0?? !
Q: I'VE BEEN TO THE CITY BUT I STILL CAN'T FIND TIM TREVYL
H: M-J:[44=[' R7CFN , M ! CR3 : B*
A: ;?BHU4;Q44=[3A-QBX4!M6\5>2 [44= [2/CEF
Q: I GET FATALLY BURNED BY COINS
H: M4=M3[ ! Q3 [ #L@=T#L : EEM . 7 <QN ( =M3 *
A: @K3§?\&ICN ' H=8\72C0T ' >OL96FK . AH1=M3 *
Q: WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THE RUFFIAN?
H: :F@K3N@6F?R-OALL' >OL96FK3 < >8R1=M3*
A: AAKL44= [ 2C10C8MRM34C2 : B*
Q: I GET CARRIED INTO SPACE BY A MISSILE
H: P19SL96FK320FU) JM. AEL( =M3*
A: =K?Y-L4-J : [ 44= [ ' H=8\/?R44= [ 2/LC_
Q: I CAN'T GET BACK PAST THE DOG
H: @BM/[ )KL3<>8 [%S-M1FJ2*
A: ?CE6\!_"M?7[ !M6\44J=HI)K[
Q: I CAN'T FIND THE CUBIX
H: < >K@ = E9%4#>K@=E9 ' 2 , 5S1MZ4 , 5S1M]
A: 03J6KL44= [#FKES444=IR5>2 [ 44= [ 2/CEF
Q: HOW CAN I GET PAST THE CENTRAL COURTYARD?
H: ;C[/F=N'N0NALM3/CN44=[+>E9 ,\
A: L5GHI44=HS96F=N)EH3K-S5F? !
Q: I CAN'T GET THE DEAD TROOPER'S GOLD OR HIS LANCE
H: L2MD/NM96FK27 >ALL&ICN , C0E5E9 (
A: M>C0[M3"S?L44=M3",M!MAE4=MN,5M5B*
Q: HOW DO I GET THROUGH THE ENTRANCE HALL?
H: R6FK(9U/[! 23P> . AJ9[ JK1HS72K4X96FZ
A: @BM/[44= [ )EH3K-S5F? !
Q: I CAN'T GET THROUGH THE DESERT
H: E=D<K1?\%S85?EK5F?EM#>MR"C [ 5 >2A07#
A: A9Q2HMG3B=>B7J6E9 ' 2 )KS , M$A<CHMV
Q: I’M NOT ALLOWED THROUGH THE CARVED DOORS
H: R6FK-H>AL"C [ 4 ; 0Q3OOC10SV
A: ?CE6\44=[$N3N@6E9Y2=§>"
Q: I CAN'T FIND TIM TREVYL
H: L<>8=M5UG+CAH<M71=M3[ (=[ )J\
A: M4= [+>E9Y ! M6\ ( AJM" JC05CN , Q2\+CAHX
Q: THE GUARDS ARE FASCINATED BY MY ACCENT •
H: ? ; R0FE3S1 [44=HS%Q/IR-BC3*
A: M-K?U!AMF?L45DS4>3QC3#
Q: I CAN'T GET OUT OF THE DESERT
H: M4AE=U"?BH#2 )KS ,M44= [ 7 . NA1M<R$AN2MB[
A: K30>/BB[96F=N3A1KCY4/CN'HQ%<RA[
Q: I FALL TO MY DEATH FROM A TREE
H: R6FK ! Q3 [ )ER4 ; @Q-H . EX/7Z ! (M=@GV
A: <I=D5~$KH7R"CAIC3[96FK-BG/[/7<3)
Q: THE KING'S BLOODGUARD ARE NASTY TO ME
H: R,OL6+Q/M9 : QN ) JM45DS4> 3QC3 [ ,M&L7<I6+
A: L.XG45DS4>3QC3[ , M. 3L8*
Q: THE DOG WON'T GIVE ME WHAT I WANT
H: BKS,M! 'K3§?UG$K8(
A: M4=M3[lQ3[44J3@["M?7N[2’>OL!MAE4=M]
Q: I GET LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS
H: FBC3 [&I§=T96FZ
A: M4=M3 [ ) JM . AE4AE9Y44=M3 ) 2 ' HQ3 <F?4 '
Q: WHAT USE IS THE HAYSTACK?
H: M4= [ 6+KIO [ ) JM7 2K4AE !
A: EC@<U)ER)KL&ICN3<>804AE9Y96FK.7@?+
Q: I CAN'T GET THROUGH THE FOREST
H: BKL*K>AL-OALL"C[ ! 4>/0
A: @HQ . ACB4X4 ; Q ' >OL/F? [
Q: WHERE CAN I GET A WEAPON
H: : 3<?; : ] , 5M5B ' 405M690C , 0
A: BER44=[&;QN7.NA[
Q: HOW CAN I AVOID BEING ROBBED ON THE ROAD?
H: R6FK. 7@?\3<>8[$AA?I5B*
A: ?CE6\! J7. <O??~4/CN0?H .M407T&L7 <I60\
Q: I NEED SOME GLASS
H: M4=M3[ ) JM0<9IFEG ! Q=F96* 2 . 7<QN!M6\&;Q]
A: M4=M3 [ ) JM-BC3 [ 449MR/?7 [ 3 <F=1B ) 244AE=$
Q: HOW CAN I MAKE USE OF THE GYPSIES?
H: R6FK . 7@?\44= [-<J@6E9Y%G9H8IF[
A: @BM/[44=HS ! _36CJ/MN"S?@ ; ? !
Q: THE KING IS APPALLED BY MY LACK OF COURTESY
H: M5DS4>3QC3T+CAH<M719SL4 ;Q$K
A: K3<C\44=[ .AE1[/?R44=["C?N=@>S$K@C]
Q: I GET KILLED IN THE BANDITS' CAMP
H: §>OL,I.HNG72K4X'H=8+
A: R6FK . 7@?\44 = [ ' H=8\ , C4H : 0[
Q: I GET EATEN BY A VOORVOKURP
H: E=B:[! 35=@KP96FK ( 9U/ [ ' H?7 [ ! RA>/XV
A: M4=[0<5BB[96FK!Q3[ )ER) JM!_4>/0_
Q: I GET KILLED FALLING DOWN THE RAVINE
H: :0@B=2BEX )KL&L=>S44= [%<RA[
A: N>2[ !_2=A5*
Q: I CAN'T FIND A LAMP
H : @HQ4 ; Q44= [ & ; QN% < RAX 4 ! M6\$KH7 !
A : : SL44 = [ "ME@ ; >S/7Z44= [ "?BHU3A-HIA\
Q: I GET SHOT AT THE WEST GATE
H: I1S5<I5B[-LG&L7<I6+
A: P*HKL ! SL44= [ ' :Sl[&ICN/?7[ 4A=< !
Q: I HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF THEFT AND THROWN IN THE DUNGEON
H: BKS,M27J8NG"CDE9Y05I@;C9N@\
A: ;SDG!_$N7E=UM3$K?Y-L3A1<K#
Q: I GET EXECUTED AT THE WEST GATE
H: M4= [ ' N, Q20M&CE6\3< >804AE9Y/7@?IE6M/*
A: R6FK-H>AL$N=AP44= [ , 5M5B*
Q: I FALL AND BREAK MY NECK IN THE CITY
H: M4=M3[ ! Q3 [ /E4=MN7*X : M/7Z ' H : E9Y4 ; Q-4Q9 : 0[
A: @HQ3<F?4$444=IR%<RAX444=IR . ACB4 '
Q: I GET EATEN ALIVE IN THE MOAT
H: R6FK-H>AL"C[ 6/MGG39CHX
A: <I=D5~"?BHU5 ; P4 ;Q44 = [ "P7 ; C> *
Q: HOW CAN I GET THE GREAT HUMMING DOOR OPEN?
H: M4=M3[ ! Q3 [ 4C8Q36 ; ANM4 ;Q)K [
A: H?>MG&L=>S44=[)EE6;A*
Q: I CAN’T GET PAST THE DOG
H: ;M?7 [ ) ;H9 [#R=Z4"MC3?\ ! M6\ (M99KGV
A: ?CE6\!_"M?7[4;Q'BM/[ (AD"
Q: HOW CAN I GET INTO THE INDEX ROOM
H: R6FK(9U/[%T,NY4$K?Y-L96F*0
A: BEE=5>QL44= [$K@C]
Q: WHAT CAN I USE TO DISTRACT THE DOG?
H: EC@<U ! Q=F96*2 . AEL/?7 ["S?L44J3@\N
A: BER44= [ 7 . G@ 444= [#BG@5QAY444= [1D,Q@GV
Q: WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS FUNNY SHAPED HOLE?
H: BEE2MBL3< >804AE9Y44= [3 .L8[35905*
A: R6FK . 7@?\ ! ( =S) FH? 3KT+ : TV
Q: A SOLDIER KNOCKS ME IN THE MOAT
H: K3G5WI?"C[&L7<I6HMG4 ;Q(ADTN
A : L . XG ( =G@CQM3/CN ! MK ; 4AE9Y%GG2 *
Q: I NEED SOME KEYS
H: @>OL96F=A2G : Z#>0DA=3?+
A: M4= [ "?M6EK?M( 9U/[3<>8*
Q: I CAN'T FIND THE WELL
H: K3<C\#>Q3A07@MG/?R44= [ . ACB4X7*K@#
A: GACB40.NAL)ER44=[-4Q9 :OL3>D,Q3*
Q: I CAN'T FIND THE RAVINE FROM THE EAST
H: M4=M3 [ ) JM ! 01S4X, 9<CEE9Y44=M3*
A: P . NAL&L=>S1D,Q@GG/CN . ACB4X&L= >S2=2C+
Q: I CAN’T GET OUT OF THE WELL ALIVE
H: M4= [ ' K/U3KEG/7Z96F=N%M§=CN ! O01KGM5 >\
A: H?>MG4-J:[/?7[/3H;>QL72K4X96FZ
Q: I SEEM TO NEED AN INDEX CARD
H: M4=M3 [ ) JM ! 2=@>S&ICN44= [0E=>?D2*
A: ?CE6\ ! 7*XG)EF;Q44=[ )E6ASH2=@>"
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
67
MICROMAN
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67.85
59.00
67.85
43.44
49.95
Viglen Master Console
Pineapple II
■ BBC/MASTER CONSOLE
Pineapple Diagram
Pineapple Diagram Utilities
Pineapple PCB Designer
AMX DESIGN
• PRINTERS:
Ex VAT Inc VAT
52.13
59.95
55.00
63.25
25.00
28.75
10.00
11.50
85. (K)
97.75
60.83
69.95
STAR LC10
Inc Centronics interface + 2m BBC Lead
Ex VAT Inc VAT
£173.04 £199.00
NEW STAR LC24-10
24 pin printer 4 BBC lead
Ex VAT Inc VAT
£329.57 £379.00
Star NX 15 Wide Carriage 339.00 389.85
Panasonic KXP 1081 155.65 179.00
Epson 1.X800 225. t22 259.00
Juki 6100 Daisywheel 299.00 343.85
Panasonic Serial Interface 41.00 47.15
Star NL10 Sheet Feeder 55.00 63.25
LX800 Sheet Feeder TBA
Print Sharer 2 Way Switch 39.00 44.85
• PLOTTERS:
Roland DXY880A A3 Plotter 694.78 799.00
Roland DXY980A A3 Hotter 999.00 1148 85
We are a Roland Mam Dealer and stock the complete
range of plotter, pens and paper.
• BBC WORDPROCESSING
SOFTWARE:
View Professional
86.91
99.95
Interword ROM
42.61
49. 0C
Wordswise Plus ROM
42.61
49. 0C
View 3.0 ROM
45.22
52jQ0
Spellmaster
51.31
59 00
Viewspell
34.74
39.95
• BBC DATABASE & SPREADSHEETS
Mega 3 ROM - New
85.00
97.75
Master Overview
86.00
98.90
Inter base ROM
60.00
69.00
Viewstore ROM
45.22
52.00
Intersheet ROM
43.44
49.95
Interchart ROM
29.52
33.95
Viewsheet ROM
45 22
52.00
• BBC LANGUAGES:
Master C
78.00
89 70
BCPL ROM
52. 00
59.80
BPCL Stand Alone Generator
43 39
49.90
ISO Pascal ROM
52.13
59.95
ISO Pascal Stand Alone Gen
30.00
34.50
Comal ROM
43 35
49 85
Acorn LOGO ROM
60 00
69.00
Logoton LOGO ROM
60.00
69.00
Micro- Prolog ROM
69 52
79 95
• BBC UTILITIES:
Master Termulator
34.74
39.95
System ADE + BBC Version
46.00
52.90
System ADE + Master Version
49.00
56.35
Vine Replay ROM’s
25.65
29.50
Vine Master Replav
30.43
35.00
We slock a large range of utility software bv ACORN.
CLARES, COMPUTER CONCEPTS, WATFORD etc.
OPUS PC &
AMSTRAD 1640
Ring or cull for full price list
GOVERNMENT, NHS AND EDUCATIONAL ORDERS ACCEPTED
ADVENTURES
WARLORD HINTS
Q: I CAN’T OPEN THE SHUTTERED WINDOW
H: M>GG ! MAE4=MN2=F?1 *
A: M4= [72E6KHI787Y-L/A5I 244= [$K0CN72C0#
Q: I GOT EATEN BY A GIANT RAT
H: R6FK(9U/[4;Q4-J: [ 96F=N#E9M5BN\
A: =K?Y-L/A5IR44=[4>/O*&0E7§T44=[72I3*
Q: HOW CAN I GET INTO THE LEFT HAND BEDROOM?
H: M4= [ -BDAL/3T3FF>M7 *XV
A: R6FK. 7@?\3<>8[+:T:\
Q: WHERE CAN I GET A. ROPE?
H: :MR)EF1MAA1G@5QN4>/CEE9Y0?DA[
A: ?L=>S44=[ 'R7C6<N\
Q: HOW DO I GET OUT OF THE BANDIT'S CAVE
H: =K?Y-L&IC5>OL)KS,M96F=N, I .HNG$=XV
A: AQ7>AE5 J2 [ 44= [ ' N , Q2*23D2E9ZN
Q: I CAN'T LIGHT THE LAMP
H: =E;\96FK&IC5>0L3O804AE980
A: R6FK.7@?\3<>8[-4S/E=N\
Q: I SEEM TO BE AN INEXPERIENCED ROCK CLIMBER
H: N>2 [ 3B4K-AJ9 [ %LD4G=8IF[
A: :__2=A5 [78F78\"C[ 5>2A07#
Q: WHERE CAN I GET A TAG?
H: ?L=>S44= [ 32>R=7KEG/7@C : B*
A: BEE=5>QL44=[$AN8!444=IR/A5I 00A
Q: I CAN'T READ THE SCRAP OF PAPER
H: : 4>7 : HU/7Z , 9J73Q2K
A: K3<C\)KL)ER44=[-<I0=C]
Q: A DRY GREY POWDER WON'T BURN FOR ME
H: BKL-OALL) = Z)KL7*RM7.0[
A: I?F=N72E7[ )EF;Q44=[ ,5LC_
Q: I HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF THEFT AND ESCORTED OUT OF THE
H: M>GG44=["CNAL0?==:VV
A: R6FK-H>AL01XG&ICN44AE9LM)ER44= [ -4Q9 : 0[
CITY
Q: I JUST HIT THE BOTTOM OF A BOTTOMLESS
H: EC@<U71=M3 [96FK ! Q3 [ ' H : E9 (
A: E=>ALL44=[ , 5LCP ! M6\4-J : [ )KL72K4X96FZ
PIT
Q: THE GUARD WON'T LET ME GO DOWN THE BACK STAIRS
H: R6FK , C0<U-H . EX4 ; 0Q3 : 4QB[
A: M-J : [/70Z44=[2=3C[/CN44=[72> (
Q: WHAT DO I DO WITH A HOVERCYCLE?
H: R6FK#LF78\OB301I6\ ) KS , M ! _( GCA2*
A: FBF9FL44= [44AE9%4/CN ' >OL/?R)K[
•
Q: I GET ACCUSED OF BEING A POISONER
H: R6FK35GF78 JY-L7 *M6AMN ! Q=F96+
A: 0HQ3A>/H>ALL"?BHU$KH7R44=[3A-HIA\
Q: I TURN GREEN AND KEEL OVER SUDDENLY
H: R6FK35GF78\!U9: ;\449SL&IC3D>GR&I@5+
A: ?I0=T44=[+>E9' 2$K?Y-L%<S [
Q: WHERE CAN I GET AN INVITATION?
H: BER44= [-< ; 0H9 [/7Z44=f "?S@89AC<G8+
A: ?L=>S44= [+>E9 ,M"JC05CN,Q2+
Q: HOW CAN I HELP TIM TREVYL? HE IS UPSET
H: L< >8=M5UG3A; =9 [ ( AJM7*S/E '
A: M4=[#BIF-T=N72C0T32G0T96FK(AJM7*S/E'
AND CONFUSED
Q: I CAN'T FIND A WAY OFF THE BATTLEFIELD
H: M4=M3[)JM! 7*XU2+ : @KP , C0< >E9 (
A: ?CE6\44=[ 2=2C\ !M6\&I=0CHI ) KL . ACB4 '
Q: I GET CAUGHT BY A SECURITY ANDROID
H: ; C [ -BC3 [ # >Q3A07 #
A : =K?Y-L27E9Y44= [ "CG0T/CN ' HQ% <RA[
Q: I GOT SCRAPED OFF A WALL AND THROWN IN THE
H: :U9: ;\/70?I6EE9Y44= [ ,C4>KG\
A: ; SDG ! _$N7E=UM396FR%0T . 7@?\3<>8 [-B77TV
DUNGEON
Q: I GET KILLED GOING UP THE RAPIDS
H : M>GG44 = [ "CO01MNO1QBL/7Z6 + KCF= ]
A: M49SL ) JM . AEL44= [ 7 *XG4 ; Q44= [ 2/U3E7*
Q: I CAN'T GET SOMETHING SCREWED TO A DESK
H: BKL) JMO7D069J9*
A: R6FK . 70?\ ! _3003R-N7M/M]
Q: I GET SHOT WHEN I LEAVE THE CUBIX
H: R6FK-H>AL45D8[)KL27>AL[
A: N>2 [44= [ 63<R2E9Y3003§I !
Q: I CAN'T GET ACROSS THE RIVER
H: M>GG7*K?>E9YM3/CN27 ;EE9Y(A>A'
A: ?CE6\44=["P7;C>*
Q: I GET LOST IN THE LIBRARY
H: R6FK . 70?\ ! R06JA-M5B*
A: 0>OL44= [ "CG0T ! M6\27E9Y ) K [
Q: I CAN'T GET OUT OF THE RAVINE
H: FBC3 [ %LD4G=8IFL . 7@?A?+
A: P . <QN44= [3=1BB[ "M0E?\
Q: I THINK I NEED A HEXAGONAL KEY
H: R6FK#LF78\-4 J : [ )K[
A: ?CE6\44=[ (=S)FH?3KT-BF78+
Q: THE KING IS OFFENDED BECAUSE I DON'T EAT
H: A=[-OALL"C[&I@ = 9?\"WG! * ;NA1M]
A: IB301I6\4;Q%<SL3O804AE9(
Q: I HAVE BEEN DUMPED IN AN EMPTY TENT
H: R6FK . 70?\3<>8O4AE9Y4 ;Q#R?L72K4 '
A: M-J: [ 44= [ "?X6?70L72K4X96FY25>2 [ )K[
Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET OUT OF THE DUNGEON?
H: M4=M3[ )JM/?>MG/?7[/3H;>QL0B3N2IF[
A: R,N[20E>5X44=[4-AJ9*
Q: I GET TORN LIMB FROM LIMB BY A HUNTING
H: BKL-H>AL"C[6/MGG(M99KGV
A: M4J=HI$KH7R!_#L0< : ?\2/SL&ICN )K[
EAGLE
Q: I INCINERATED THE CITY ACCIDENTALLY
H: R6FK35GF78\/3CTG)EEA>C.Q5F?E\
A: =K?Y-LOE70T44= [ , 9Q/M]
Q: I ONLY FLOAT IN THE RAVINE
H: R6FK(9U/[! ' K/U3KEG0B=3 J9HS ! F :HE !
A: R6FK ! Q3 [ # >Q0GOE9Y ( = <UCG/3H ; >Q?\
Q: I GOT A BLACK EYE AND A NOSE BLEED
H: ? ;HEFL( =<QBL . 7Q/MN787R& ; HI\00A
A: I5MA6JAZ2 ( AKL44= [ 2C10C8MR ! F : HE !
Q: I GET CRYOGENICALLY FROZEN
H: =K?Y-L4>7>0>MN44=[32>R=7KEG3O>M!
A: R6FK.70?\! 32>R=7KEG4-F(
Q: I THINK I GOT DRUNK ON THE BEAUJOLAIS
H: M4=M3[ ! Q3 [ "CO01MN5 >2NM&ICN ! K7L9G=#
A: =K?Y-L$N7E=U44= [72E7 )296FK.7@?\)K[
Q: I KEEP SETTING THE BENCH ON FIRE ACCIDENTALLY
H: K3<C\44=[ )EEA>C.Q5F?E\
A: BEE=5>QL44= [#OC . F9J9*
Q: WHAT DO I DO WITH THE METAL DISC?
H: BKL78F78\&CKL)EF;Q! 3<4H:0[
A: ?0>2[44=[ ,=>AL?M72K4X)K[
Q: TIM TREVYL JUST HOLDS OUT HIS HAND FOR
H: R6FK7 2C0T*K>AL( 9U/ [ 4 ; Q ' >OL ) KL&ICN (AD"
A: M>GG44=[ ,=9P/QGV
A BOOK
Q: I CAN'T READ THE SCROLL
H: M4=M3[)JM/?7[72J2MN449MR96FZ
A: M-J: [)KL4;Q45DS4>3QC3#
Q: THE LAMP SEEMS TO GO OUT SUDDENLY
H: R6FR%0T( 9U/ [4 ; Q0<5MR ! G = <C+
A: N>2[ )KL71AC9[ )KL, 5RA?\
Q: I JUST GOT KNOCKED TO THE FLOOR AND JUMPED
H: ;C[#>Q3A07T71G>S96FK! S0-BH$
A: AAKL44=[2C10C8MR"S?L.AQ/?7 [%GG2*
ON
Q: THE SCREEN SHOWS ONLY SWIRLING MIST
H: R6FK ! Q3 [ ’ >O05E9Y ! G= <C\/7Z96F=A2G : )
A: R6FK$K?Y-L. 70?\44= [3OO30IR45C0T, 5 SIM]
Q: A TREE FALLS ON TOP OF ME
H: ;S?L)KL#LF78\(9U/["C0IR! 2=4H$
A: M5<[44=[2=A5[4;Q!_2=4H! 4 . AEL44= [4>3@*
Q: I HAVE FOUND THE CUBIX BUT IT'S LOCKED
H: M5DS4 > 3QC3T+ : 0KCM ) KL ,C4H:?\5>B, K0MV
A: 0HQ4 ; Q44 = [ #FKE"%44 = IR5 >2[44 = [2/CEF
Q: I TRY TURNING MY VEHICLE, WITH DISASTROUS RESULTS
H: P1A : EX7*XG$E; \44GD2 [ 'N,Q2OM'H00
A: 0HQ%<RAZ24>C>AL44= [ ! T? ; A9CCE [
Q: I SEEM TO HAVE DUG MY OWN GRAVE AND FALLEN IN
H: P8F78\96FK0B3A?MN3<>8J?7 [%GG2 [ )ER)K+0
A: CK8CP"?BHL*Q20M/G/MN44= [ (G=9*
Q: THE BANDITS DON'T GIVE ME ANY KEYS
H: G7Q/MN"C [&L7 < 1 6HMG7 2K4X44A<Q/N\
A: =K?Y-L35GHU4 ' BM/ ' 4/CN/A5 IR44= [ , C4H : 0 [
Q: WE GOT ARRESTED BY THE SOLDIERS NEAR THE BRIDGE
H: M4=N2 [ &L31 5EX# >MR"C[ % <R6CMG&I0 = 9? +
A: L = 5 < JU&L31 5EX4 ; Q44=H ! 244 = IR ' HQ . ACB4 ’
Q: I JUST GOT ELECTROCUTED
H: L . E70EG&CIAAZ2 ) KS , M"WG44= [ $K@C 1
A: LD2K/EX/70Z44= [ , = >AL[
Q: MY BATTERIES HAVE RUN OUT
H: AGHI . 7BE9>Q207T/7Z96FZ
A: =K?Y-L,9<U/[44=[2/CEFQ3D2K/E=?\/? !
Q: I GET SOLD A COMPUTER I DON’T WANT
H: ;C[-BC3 [#>Q3A07T ! AMF?L719SL96FK"SDV
A: BEE=5>QL44=[7*S/E=NM&CIAA[
Q: I CAN'T USE THE SCREEN
H: BKL( 9RM f #LG/MN/G/MN ) K [
A: R6FK-H>AL/A5IR ) KL&CIAA [
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
69
smBHEOGL
POQyWTNNFP
THE ULTIMATE POOLS PREDICTION PROGRAM ” ^
MASSIVE DATABASE Poo Is winner is a sophisticated Pools
prediction aid. It comes complete with the largest database
available - 22000 matches over 10 years.
PREDICTS Not just SCOREDRAWS, but AW AYS, HOMES
and NO SCORES.
SUCCESSFUL SELEC guarantee that Poolswinner performs
significantly better than chance.
ADAPTABLE Probabilities are given on every fixture -
choose as many selections as you need for your bet. The
precise prediction formula can be set by the user - you can
develop and test your own unique method.
SIMPLE DATA ENTRY All team names are in the program. Simply type in the reference
numbers from the screen. Or use FDCGEN to produce fixture list automatically (see below).
LEAGUE AND NON-LEAGUE All English and Scottish League teams are supported,
and also the non-league sides often used on pools coupons.
PRINTER SUPPORT Full hard copy printout of data if you have a printer.
PRICE £18.00 (all inclusive)
FIXGEN88/9
AT LAST: No more struggling for hours to get the
fixture list into the computer. FDCGEN has been
programmed with all English and Scottish Leaguo
fixtures for 1988/89. Simply type in the date, and the full fixture list is generated
in seconds. Fully compatible with Poolswinner. Yearly updates available.
POOLSWINNER with FIXGEN £19.50 (for both)
COURSE WINNER V3
NOT JUST A TIPSTER
PROGRAM, Coursewinner
V3 can be used by experts
THE PUNTERS COMPUTER PROGRAM and occasional punters alike.
You can develop and test your own unique winning system by adjusting the
analysis formula, or use the program in simple mode. Coursewinner V3 uses
statistical analysis of major factors including past form, speed ratings, course
statistics, prize money, weight, going, trainer and jockey form etc, etc. It
outputs most likely winners, good long odds bets, forecasts, tricasts etc. The
database includes vital course statistics for all British courses. You can update
the database - never goes out of date. FULL PRINTER SUPPORT.
PRICE £18.00 (all inclusive) includes Hat AND National Hunt versions.
AVAILABLE FOR
All supplied on tape ...
AMSTRAD CPCs
BBCs
(Automatic Conversion to disc) sp° ctriim RE 64/128
AMSTRAD PCW
DISCS ... KM Format
COMMODORE AMIGA
(Add £3.00) atari st
Send ChequesTOs for
return of post service to .
SORAVARH P hone 24 h*s
62 ALTRINCHAM RD, CATLEY, CHEADLE, CHESHIRE SK8 4DP. 0 061-428 7425
( Send for full list of our software)
o DUST o
COVERS
PROFESSIONAL
COVERS FOR THE
BBC MICRO RANGE
o DUST O
COVERS
DIRECT FROM THE LEADING MANUFACTURER
Tailored from the best quality ivory coloured nylon that has been
coated with polyurathane to which an anti-static inhibitor has been
added. These fabric covers are tastefully finished with brown piping
and have the model name hot foil printed over the keyboard. They
are washable and can be ironed with a cool iron.
id
ARCHIMEDES: £9.
BBC COMPACT SET £9.00
(Please state whether colour or monochrome monitor).
BBC MASTER £5.00
BBC B/B+ £5.00
MATCHING COVERS FOR PRINTERS,
MONITORS AND DISC DRIVERS
A large range of covers for printers, monitors and disc drives are
available to match the computer covers.
PRINTERS COVERS FROM £5.00
MONITOR COVERS FROM £6.00
DISC DRIVE COVERS FROM £3.00
If you have a specific requirement please do not hesitate to
contact us as we will be delighted to help.
Prices include VAT and First Class Postage. All our covers are
unconditionally guaranteed. Please make cheques out to:
BBD Computer Dust Covers
The Standish Centre
Cross Street
Standish, Wigan WN6 0HQ
mats
VISA
Callers and Dealer inquiries welcome
TEL: 0257422968 FAX: 0257 423909
a
C/3
T3
09
S3
Basic Mono
Colour
Epson Q03500 laser £1692.60
No PSO Drives
Di3cma3tor
£13. SOU
A305 803.84 861.34
1033.05
This advert is printed on the
Ahkter 40/00 400K Single £118.95
Teletext Tape
£4.02U
A310 091.25 948.75
1121.25
GQ3500. we offer a special help
Ahkter 40/80 800K Dual
£229.44
Master File II D13C
£11.50U
A310M 960.25 1017.75
1190.25
line on the QQ3500 with custom
Cumana CSX400 Single
£138.54
Pr Intwise Oise
E14.95U
A410 1608.85 1666.35
1030.05
software soon ! ! !
Q/nana COX BOOS Dual
£256.45
Quickcalc Disc
£11 .50U
A440 2643.85 2701.35
2073.05
Pace PSD3 Single
£137.13
*«******»»*«
Pace PDD3 Dual
£254.86
•We stock tho complete range
WITH EVERY ARCHIMEDES FREE ! !
Opus Single 40T
E51.75U
Beebug Soft all Discounted
Graphic Writer, Artisan & /arch
ACP .25meg RAM Cartridge
£74.34
Acorn Single 40T
£46.00U
**•*••
ACP Battery backed RAM
£37.17
ACP RCM Adapter 2
£13.90
With PSO Drives
Full range of Archimedes podules
AT PL Sideways RCM Board
£41.50
Ahkter 40/80 400K Single £131.69
Alpha Base (Archimedes)
£44.94
etc etc stocked - ring For price
ATPL Mouse
£32.70
Ahkter 40/80 800K Dual
£276.20
Artisan (Archimedes)
£35.95
•Master Series from £351.86
Cambridge Z88 32K RAM
£10.95
Cumana CS400 Single
£161.95
Toolkit (Archimedes)
£35.95
•Compact series from £375.69
Cambr idge Z80 32K RCM
£18.95
Cumana CD800S Dual
£305.94
Beta Base & Utils
E17.25U
•Compact Professional :-
Cambridge Z88 120K RAM
£47.43
Pace PS03P Single
£161.71
Mac r cm
£17.25U
Computer, Moni tor .Brother Daisy
Cambridge Z80 128K RCM
£47.43
Pace PD03P Dual
£302 . 73
Fontwise 5.25” package
£26.99
Wheel & OverView from £709 03
Cambridge Eprcm Eraser
£37.95
Fontwiso 3.5" package
£30.59
Special Cambridge Z88 £267.37
Morley AA Board
£43.64
Hard Oise Units
Sec/User BBC Bs from £199.00
Morley RAM Disc 1 Meg
£109.92
Ahkter 2Gmeg HD2000
£539.94
6502 Sec Processors
£103. 50U
Mcrloy RAM Disc 2 Meg
£332.41
Ahkter 40meg H04000
£809.94
Master 512 Module
£149. 50U
Morley Teletext Adaptor
£107.95
VI glen 20meg Drive 0
£584.07
Inter-Base
£55.20
Pace Linnet Modem inc Commstar
Viglen 20mcg Drive 1
£494.09
Inter-Chart
£29.44
Cornra RCM
£143.86
Viglen 40meg Drive 0
£940.49
Inter-Sheet
£45.00
°ace Nightingale Modem
£102.46
Viglen 40mcg Drive 1
£737.08
Inter-Word
£45.08
Philips 0033 colour
£275.02
Philips TV tuner
£62.93
Inter-Chart (Archimedes)
£23.00
Philips 0052 colour
£309.46
Vine Micros RCM Board 3
£17.94
Inter-Sheet (Archimedes)
£35.88
Philips 7502 Green
£83.65
Vine Micros ROM Board 4
£26.94
Inter-Word (Archimedes)
£35.88
Microvitec 1431
£211.64
Voltmace Delta 14B
£9. 20U
Basic Editor
£18.00U
Mega 3 ROM
£07.97
Microvitec 1451 £109. 75U
Acorn Master Cartridge
£9.200
C language
£51. 75U
Spell Master
F47.19
Microvitec 1441
£430.10
Peartree Mast Cart PEP002 C9.20U
Education Compendium
£11.96
Wordwise Plu3
£30.000
Kaga Taxan Sup/v III
£395.98
Prism 200 Modem
£40.250
Logo
£39.0OU
ARM Ass Lang Book
£11.65
Microvitec 1431 £149. 50U
Solidisk Teletext/TV
£75.94
ISO Pascal RCM
£55.20
RCM podule Arch Bat. 'Back
£64.44
Tatung Col Monitor
£169.00
Li3p
£9. 19U
al=
Logistix (Archimedes)
£102.46
Micros in Business
£39.95
AMX Design
£6*2.98
Twin (Archimedes)
£30.00
Master Guide Book
£11.65
Panasonic KX P1O01
£169.00
AMX Mouse * Super a rt+OS
£71.94
View 3.0
£47.84
Views toro/Sheet Book
£11.65
Panasonic KX P1032
£243.00
AMX Superart
£44.94
View Index
£11.96
View Guide Book
£11.65
Citizen 120D
£171.63
AMX Max
E12.00U
View Plot
£23.95
Master Emulator RCM
£17.94
Epson LX000
£268.80
AMX Desk
£22.44
View Professional
£79.94
Program Discs for books
£7.14
Epson LQ0OO
£539.05
Extra Extra!
£15.000
View Sheet
£47.84
Hyper Driver
£26.49
Micro P 135f
£159.36
AMX Stop Press
£44.90
View Spell
£23.000
aim
View Storo
£52.61
Replay Tape to Disc
£31.40
Digi mouse* Art room
£53.91
Mini Office disc 5.25
£12.70
Romboard 3
£17.94
D i g i mouse+Graphi c
£35.91
Mini Office disc 3.5
£16.45
Wight Signwriter
£26.94
Ftamboard 4
£26.94
0iglmouse*ll lustrator
£40.39
Fonts for above each
£5.17
Write Protect Switch
£8.05
** We Stock ALL the popular and
TD RCM for BBC B
£13.800
•We Specialise in Trading in
Used Hardware & Software also
we will buy in certain
software & Hardware.
•Anything we have for almost
Anvthing you have.
••• NEW tAMPS FOR OLD ! ! ***
unpopular games both new and
used from as little as £1.72
•The above are just a few of
The i terns we have on our lists
at present we have over 950 !
please tel or send a large SAE
For up to the minute prices
•All Prices in this Advert
include VAT at 15% Rost and
Packing charges 92p for light
items, £1.95 for medium items.
Expensive products £7.48
courier delivery
Items Marked "U" are used stork
OCMPUTECK Dept
I .O.O. F. House
69 High Street West
Glossop
Derbyshire SK13 8A Z
VISA/ACCESS Tel. 04574 65953
System Dolta+Card Index £50.45
Deltabase (Archimedes) £26.94
System Delia Plus (Arch) £62.95
Accounts Packages all 10% Disc.
Genie In a Box £71.41
Genie Junior £22.49
Genie Master Cartridge £71.41
Genie Util 1 ties £8.94
Genic Real Time Clock £26.08
6502C B2P Sec Processor £80.95
Introducing three titles under
our own label
"SENSIBLE SOFTWARE"
Introductory Price £14.95 each
ThcMenu
Displays both sides of a disc on
scrolling window: Auto LOADS
BASIC, M/Code & WP files: File
handling made easy: Shows all 16
RCMS: loads RCT4S automatically
in »VR and save to disc: This is
what a !boot file was made for:
TheLi st
Auto selects DPS/ADFS: Allows 39
chars, description of files so
months later you know what a
file was and where it is: ADFS
path route shown and routing
made easy: Printout of all data
to keep in each disc envelope
ThoLabo 1
The ultimate Label printer,
Bold, NLQ, Condensed, Enlarged,
U/Lined etc WYSIWYG on screen
editing: Auto dupl i cation from
one to print as many as you
want: Configures to many label
sizes and numbers across: If
you print labels this is a must!
•We are mainly Mail Order but
personal callers are welcome
to collect goods and arrange
for demonstration of computers
and accessories.
Please Telephone to orr~ -.gc
appointment first.
70
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
COMPETITION
LOVABLE LIZARDS
We have a cuddly life-size Repton to give away this month
along with games from the Superior catalogue
Repton the lizard, star of the original
Repton game by Tim Tyler, has spawned
no less than five follow-ups. The mix of
problem-solving exploration and amusing
scrolling graphics has attracted BBC micro
users like no other game.
Now publisher Superior Software is
offering little Repton soft toys to con-
firmed fans. But Acorn User has a unique
five-foot-high cuddly Repton to give away.
Plus the winner will get his or her choice
of any three games from the Superior
Software’s BBC and Electron game cata-
logue. The 30 runners-up will also receive
their choice of any of the Superior games.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
All you have to do to enter the competi-
tion is look at the nine screens above. For
each character or object, numbered 1 to 9,
identify which of the Repton games it
comes from. Use the letters A to F as
follows:
A Repton
B Repton 2
C Repton 3
D Around the World in 40 Screens
E The Life oj Repton
F Repton thru Time
As a tie-breaker, we want you to think up
an idea for a new set of screens for Repton.
Describe your idea in less than 40 words,
and devise a suitably imaginative title.
Write your answers on the back of an
envelope and place your tie-breaker idea
and your name and address inside. Also
stick the coupon below to your entry — it
can’t be accepted without it. Send it to
Acorn User Repton Competition, Redwood
Publishing, 20-26 Brunswick Place, Lon-
don N1 6DJ. Your entry must arrive by
September 5, and the editor’s decision will
be final.
ACORN USER
COMPETITION
AUGUST
n
I
j
71
GRAPHICS
BUY A
YELLOW RIBBON
How can you create beautiful colour prints with a black-and-white printer?
Coloured ribbons provide the answer
Muriel Dearlove
I t's fine having beautiful, animated
graphic screens that you can show off to
your friends, but what I want is some-
thing I can put in my pocket, and I am
not in the habit of carrying my BBC
micro and colour monitor around with me! I
also want to make greeting cards that will fit
into an ordinary envelope. I'm willing to
compromise on the animation, but I want
them in colour!
So what do I do? I could use a colour
printer, of course, but first I have to find one I
can afford and that I have space for. And one
on which I can control the colours to just the
way I want them.
The answer is to print in colour using my
ordinary black-and-white dot-matrix printer.
In the April issue of Acorn User , Dorian
Goring suggested using coloured carbon pap-
er for multi-colour printing. This gives very
clear results, but almost inevitably limits you
to using only black, red and blue.
But for most Epsons, and many other
models of printer, a range of coloured ribbons
is available, and by overlaying colours in an
imitation of the three-or-four-colour printing
method used to print magazines like Acorn
User , quite passable results can be achieved.
What's more, you aren't limited to the
standard two or four colours available on the
screen in a high-resolution mode. Several
firms provide coloured ribbons, in particular,
Micro-Media supplies red, blue, yellow,
brown and green ribbons which are suitable
for a wide range of printers.
The technique, similar to that described by
Dorian Goring, can be either simple or
complex, according to the standard of output
you need.
Before overprinting each of the colours,
accuracy in positioning the paper is vital. This
Figure 1. How a multi-colour print is built from
a skeleton drawing
avoids colour fringing. But the actual colours
used and the mixture of colours are under
your control.
The mixing of colours from coloured
ribbons works in exactly the same way as
colour printing. Acorn User is printed using
four-colour inks - yellow, cyan (light blue),
magenta (pink) and black. If the paper is
printed with cyan and yellow, then the result
is green; cyan and magenta make blue; and
magenta and yellow make red. Because the
ribbons are red and blue rather than the
necessary magenta and cyan, they tend to give
slightly deeper colours than true four-colour
printing. But as the ribbons wear out after a
while, and the colours fade, you may find
your results improve.
To try out the method, almost any drawing
software will do. I regularly use AMX
SuperArt y with a Wigmore mouse, and more
recently the excellent Quest Paint from Wat-
ford, but, of course, one of your own
programs will do just as well.
The first step is to put together a design or
drawing in black on a white background, then
save this skeleton picture in a file called, say,
‘Black’. It is unlikely that you will ever need
to print this picture, but it will act as a base for
drawing the blue, yellow and red screens of
the final colour picture. Figure 1 shows an
example of a simple design using rectangles
and ellipses.
SuperArt uses a very short ‘grey scale’ —
only black, white and two intermediate shades
of grey are available. The colour the screen
shows is irrelevant for the greys; what is
printed is always one light grey and one dark
grey. But I find that setting the screen to red
for the light grey and green for the dark grey
makes it easy to see what is going on. This
means that you can have up to three shades ol
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
72
GRAPHICS
pure blue in the final colour print — a fully
saturated blue when you use black on the
screen, plus a faint and an intermediate blue
when you use the two greys on screen.
The idea is to work on the black screen,
which is always reloaded in preparation for
each colour. First you must modify the
skeleton to produce a screen for the blue
ribbon, saving that as ‘Blue’. Then load in the
‘Black’ file again, and modify it for the red
ribbon, remembering that if an area is marked
to print on both the blue and red screens, then
the final colour print will be a shade of violet,
tending towards blue as the ribbons fade. The
violet or blue can be light or dark, depending
on whether you have used a dark or light fill
pattern on screen. Save the ‘Red’ file, reload
the black screen, and do the same again for the
yellow ribbon. Yellow overprinted with red
will either give orange, or a shade of red with a
worn ribbon.
Having saved all three coloured screens,
you are now ready to do the printing. First, fit
the blue ribbon and prepare the paper.
Remember you have to set the paper at
exactly the same point at least twice more, in
order to get accurate registration. To do this
easily, I print a row of ‘=’ signs across the
paper, and find these simple to align with the
printer’s tear bar before overprinting with
each ribbon. Alternatively, you could draw a
pencil line along the top of the paper bail, and
go back to that.
Once the paper is set up, load and print the
blue screen using your usual screen dump.
Then load in the red screen, change the
ribbon, reset the paper to the original mark,
and print again. Do the same with the yellow
screen and ribbon. You now have the finished
pattern, in violet and two shades of orange,
with a pale green border.
The outline is a passable black where all
three colours are overprinted. If you need a
really dark black, it can be worthwhile
printing a fourth pass with the printer fitted
with its usual black ribbon. This then exactly
mimics the four-colour printing process used
to print magazines like Acorn User. Of course
you can use the skeleton screen to prepare the
image for this top. The order in which you
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
Figure 2. All these stunning pictures were output on a black-and-white printer by an overprint
technique using combinations of coloured ribbons
print the colours doesn’t appear to be too
important, but I use yellow last because it is a
weak colour and can be overpowered by the
stronger ones. But this makes the ribbon
dirty, as the other colours rub off the paper a
bit. Real printing presses print the black ink
first, then blue and red overlay it, followed by
the yellow. Essentially this is the darkest ink
first, progressing to the palest.
The illustrations in Figure 2 show some of
the pictures I have drawn and printed using
the multi-ribbon method. I’ve produced lots
of birthday and Christmas cards this way too.
Try it — it does need some time and patience,
but it doesn’t need too much artistic talent,
thank goodness.
Coloured ribbons can be obtained from
Micro-Media, Freepost, Rydal Mount, Baker
Street, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3BR. Tel:
(0707) 52698. Also, Computers by Post, 12
Sutton Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3QP. Tel:
01-7600014.
73
£ 49.95
Alpha-Base is thesuccessorto Beta-Base, the top
selling database for the BBC micro. Alpha-Base really
does 'HARNESS THE POWER’ of the Archimedes.
As with all Clares products we have made Alpha-
Base powerful but easy to use. You can be using a
database within 5 minutes of receiving the
program - that's easy. But don't be fooled, you do
not lose any functions or power. Here are just some
of the functions:
* WIMP based using icons and mouse
* Hard disc compatible - massive files
* Free format screens with on line editing of field
order
* Upto 400 fields & 27600 chars per record
* Upto 2.14 billion records per file !!!
* Multiple display, entry and printer forms can be
used with each file
* Fast search by fields or record
* Plain English entry of search & sort criteria with
many inbuilt functions
* Five data types including formulae
* Calculation facilities with inbuilt min, max,
average, age etc
* Comprehensive print options inc labels
* Validation on each field if required
* Transfer fields from one file to another
* Password security if required
* Data stored on disc so computer failure will not
result in loss of the data
Ifyouwanta powerful database thatyou can boot
up and run within 5 minutes then buy Alpha-Base
now. Absolutely no programming skills required.
£ 29.95
Graphic Writer, formerly Image Writer, is a
sophisticated WIMP based word processor with an
inbuiltgraphicseditor.ltcanbeused asastandard
word processor or graphics can be included to
provide diagrams, graphs etc within your
document. Graphics can even be imported from
ARTISAN
: ’Jii
* Totally icon driven from menus
* Multiple documents in memory, upto 512k
* Super smooth scrolling
* Fast search & replace
* Justify centre etc
* Text styles give plain, bold, Italic, underlined,
subscript, superscript or combinations of these
eg bold Italic underlined subscript.
* Centered and Temporary text styles
* Block operations - move, copy, delete and recall
* Full WYSIWYG preview
’ Graphics editor
* Page format controls page length, headers,
footers, pad and pound characters.
’Page Composition allows placing of graphics, mini
preview etc
‘ Multiple print out options
’ Auto page numbering even through multiple
documents
To create a document with Graphic Writer you
type in your text, using the many text styles
available, leave room for the graphics and then
place the graphics using Page Composition. It's
simple and easy to use You can have up to 14
documents in memory on a 310, that's equivalent
to about 220 pages of A4 text.
98 Middlewich Rd
Northwich
Cheshire CW9 7DA
Tel: 0606 48511
ALL PRICES INCLUDE
VAT and P+P
OVERSEAS ORDERS
ADD £4
OONT FORGET, YOU CAN ORDER WITH ACCESS CARD TOO!
See what the magazines say:
Ule scml »ing is unbelievably smootl
recommend this exertion
micro USER April 1988
excellent value... bowled over by its
stunning use of graphics.
RISC USER December 1987 J
EDU CAT ION
MICRO AS
ALLY
Teachers must impose standards to make proper use of
the computers in their classrooms
With the use of computers expanding in
every walk of life it was inevitable that it
should rapidly become part of the class-
room. This isn’t part of an insidious tech-
nological plot, but the result of the integra-
tion of information technology into the
activities of the ‘outside world’.
The development of the use of computers
in schools has not been painless. In the past,
software which was inflicted upon an un-
suspecting teaching community was often
not what it might have been, in particular in
its suitability for education and its reliabil-
ity. There is many a disheartened teacher
who has been scared off computers and
information technology in the classroom
for life by bad software and unreliable
equipment. Basic principle number one: a
computer is only as good as its software.
Nowadays, both software and hardware
have improved in many ways - generally
because classroom teachers cried stop! One
of the main reasons for using a computer is
that it offers a number of fundamental
‘tools’ which are of use to both pupils and
teachers, irrespective of which subject is
being learned or taught. These tools -
wordprocessors, databases, graphics pack-
ages and so on - are the real foundation of
what the computer is all about. Familiarity
with this type of software will generally
guarantee that you get value out of your
computer hardware. Packages like these are
often called ‘framework’ software. So prin-
ciple number two is: computer tools must
be the foundation of any software library.
Naturally there are schools, and you may
be in one, where ‘the computer’ lurks
somewhere in a cupboard, or where it has
been appropriated by one member of staff -
usually male - who considers that it is best
used for ‘private study’ at home. The
chances of integrating information techno-
logy into the curriculum under these cir-
cumstances are slim.
The fact is that if you do see the computer
as just another part of your arsenal of
classroom resources, you will find a number
of changes taking place. The computer
motivates children like no other resource -
except perhaps your own skill as a good
teacher. Children enjoy using the computer
because it is non-judgemental - except for a
few detestable items of software which
purport to teach by insult. Nor does the
computer inhibit them, although experience
suggests it may well inhibit adults at first.
Groups of children around a computer
develop a corporate mind, intent on solving
the problem using the resource, and de-
veloping the theme of the software to its full
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
potential. Also, the children almost certain-
ly have a great deal of fun! It is unlikely to
be quiet fun, so if you’re the kind of teacher
who demands a peaceful working atmos-
phere you will need to find a special area for
working on the computer where it isn’t
going to disturb the rest of the class. The
noise won’t be due to disruptive behaviour,
it will just be the language of discussion,
enthusiasm and dynamic interaction. Basic
principle number three: computers are
liberating and not prescriptive.
And what of yourself? The computer will
change things for you. Your classroom can
never be quite the same again after you have
successfully used a computer in your work
with children. You will discover that the
machine can act as a third party in your
classroom, engendering a new, triangular
relationship between yourself, it and the
children. This often develops into a true
partnership, especially in situations where
you are perhaps as much in the dark as the
children. You approach the task that is
demanded by the computer together. Does
that sound threatening? Perhaps it might,
yet many teachers have found that as a
resource for stimulating learning, providing
tools for the handling and production of
information and for the creation of high-
75
OFFERS
HYBRID MUSIC SYSTEM
‘There is no comparable integrated music system for any micro. ’ Computer Guardian
The Hybrid Music System is the most powerful and versatile
microcomputer music system available. /4s an expansion of the
BBC or Master micro the system includes:
Ml The Music 5000 Synthesiser, a high-quality digital
synthesiser unit with 16 sound channels, up to eight different
instruments at once and full mixing with stereo control.
The Hybrid Music System features:
A digital keyboard synthesiser with 96 predefined sounds and
an easy-to-use instrument design panel.
A music production studio with pitched instruments, percussion
Please send me:
Hybrid Technology Music 5000 Synthesiser(s) at
£161 all inclusive. Non-UK European readers add £9.30 (p&p),
rest of world add £12.
Hybrid Technology Music 5000 Synthesiser(s) with
Music 4000 keyboard at £330 all inclusive. Non-UK European
readers add £15.80 (p&p), rest of the world add £22.65.
I enclose my cheque/postal order made payable to Hybrid
Technology for £
name
ADDRESS.
POSTCODE
Please send this coupon with your remittance to Music Offer, Acorn User
Merchandising, Redwood Publishing Ltd, 20-26 Brunswick Place,
London N1 6DJ.
a The Music 4000 Keyboard, a high-quality four-octave
keyboard with full size keys, steel case and footswitch, adding
performance, multi-track recording and music entry to the
Music 5000 synthesiser.
a The AMPLE operating software, on ROM and 40/80-track
disc with user and installation guides and function key strip.
and sound effects in high-quality stereo.
An eight-track digital recorder with overdubbing, pattern
sequencing, live mixing, editing and print-out.
The system can be used as:
A music composition tool with comprehensive staff and text
notations in a structured language environment.
An educational music computer for creative use across the
complete range of age, ability and application.
A computer music workstation with integrated user interfaces
and an extensible real-time programming language.
A demonstration and research tool for a wide range of music
and sound applications.
By special arrangement with Hybrid Technology, all Acorn
User readers buying the Music 5000 synthesiser will also
receive four AMPLE albums (COSMIX, Ample Bytes Back,
Music City and Inside Stories) worth over £17, totally free. Our
readers who purchase the Music 5000 and 4000 will be sent the
four AMPLE albums plus the AMPLE Nucleus Programmer
Guide, worth £36, absolutely free. This offer is exclusive to
Acorn User magazine.
The Hybrid Music System is compatible with the BBC micro
models B, B+, B+ (28k) and Master 128 with DFS compatible
disc drive. Shadow RAM is used if available.
76
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
quality text and graphics, the computer has
no parallel. Basic principle number four: the
computer changes the nature of classroom
interaction.
Access to information and experiences
can come to you through your computer. In
the same way that you may read journals,
attend in-service training or discuss with
colleagues the methods by which you have
tackled a particular topic, so the computer
offers a means of transmitting other peo-
ple’s experience into your classroom. This
extra input can only enrich your lessons.
For example, on-line systems such as
NERIS (National Educational Resources
Information Service) help you find informa-
tion relating to countless topics.
Don’t forget that the computer also
provides a route by which you may want to
circulate your ideas as well - software
houses are always actively seeking out good
practice and software provision is very
much a two-way process. This discourse
often takes place through information ser-
vices that are ‘talked to’ by a computer. You
may think that the idea of your classroom
‘talking to’ another in Australia is a little
far-fetched - the stuff of science fiction? It’s
happening on a regular basis, in this coun-
try, right now. You can be part of it. And
it’s not just Australia; many parts of the
world are linked by computer-based elec-
tronic mail and information services that are
attempting to break down the barriers of
race and culture, and helping the ‘global
village’ become a reality. If this seems like
something that you should be sharing in,
then you have the equipment, or most of it,
in your school already. The largest hurdle is
your self-confidence. Once over that there
will be no stopping you! So principle
number five is: computers bring the world
of information to your doorstep.
With your computer you can broaden the
frontiers of what the classroom has to offer.
But it is not just the toy in the corner with
which you reward the fast workers. It is a
device which extends the role of both the
pupil and the teacher.
With the right sort of software, the
student becomes more of an active learner
than a passive receptacle to be filled with
knowledge. We are all aware that first-hand
experience promotes learning much better
than passive reception of information.
Good software provides that experience,
especially in areas which are difficult to
experience directly. For example, geo-
graphical software like Wagons West , from
Tressel Publications, which we looked at in
the February issue, enables students to
experience life as a migrant in the wild west
of 19th-century America. Moreover, it can
help students organise information - it
provides a learning tool which is com-
plementary to the resource centre in your
school.
For the slow learner, the disabled student
or indeed anyone with special physical or
educational needs, the computer is a great
releasing agent. It can provide a bridge over
a child’s disability and a means of express-
ion they otherwise lack. Basic principle
number six is: computers change attitudes
to both teaching and learning.
Teachers may capitalise on all the points
that apply to pupils as well. But if you feel
that the computer has designs on your job,
or indeed if you want it to take over, then
you are crediting it with an ability it doesn’t
have. A computer is not intelligent - and
never will be in that sense, despite what may
happen in science fiction stories. It may be
an excellent actor, but it will never do more
than pretend to think about a problem.
Having said that, it can do mind-boggling
calculations and operations in a fraction of
the time taken by a human. But it is you, the
teacher, who provides the intelligence, in
the way that you integrate the computer,
capitalise on it and make use of it for the
good of the class.
The computer is not intelligent, caring or
responsible. It cannot see frustration on a
child’s face, and it has no power to see
inside the student’s mind. It’s up to the
teacher, in co-operation with the developers
of good educational software to reproduce
and exploit experiences which are usually
EDUCATION
outside the capabilities and resources of the
classroom. Ultimately, only the teacher can
entrain the enthusiasm of the children. The
seventh basic principle is: teachers are
intelligent - computers are not.
So why use the computer? The ‘because
it’s there’ approach is not adequate in terms
of philosophy, curriculum integration or
good teaching practice. It is vitally impor-
tant that you know exactly why you are
using the computer in the classroom. How
does it integrate with the on-going work in
your theme or subject? Is its use planned or
haphazard? How does it improve the tradi-
tional methods of teaching, learning or
writing? How do you plan its timetabling
among the children, and how do you justify
the decision to let individuals or groups use,
or even monopolise, the machine? Or have
you decided that the computer sits on the
teacher’s desk and is only used under your
supervision? Are you certain that when the
adviser or inspector walks in that you can
justify your use of the computer?
If all these questions are putting you off
the idea of even thinking about a computer,
consider the thought and planning that goes
into the decision to use a particular televi-
sion or radio broadcast. You would not
permit the use of any programme unless
you felt certain that it meshed with your
own objectives. The occasional use of the
TV when they need a rest generally leaves
teachers feeling guilty - and the same
applies to the computer. So the software
you choose must be appropriate to your
teaching needs.
Generally there is a great deal of thought
and planning put into developing a piece of
software. But if it is not appropriate to your
teaching style, then don’t use it. The
greatest danger with computers in the class-
room is that the tail can all too easily begin
to wag the dog. So principle number eight is
simply: computer integration must be plan-
ned to fit into local conditions.
If you have read this far, then the door is
open for you to begin considering the
computer as a tool in your classroom. Use
the services provided by your local author-
ity and national bodies to help you in your
search for software and information. Don’t
be inhibited by those people who insist on
using computer-speak - there is nearly
always sense underneath it all. Above all, be
open to the wide range of possibilities
which use of the computer can offer you.
Nick Evans and Chris Drage are the authors
of The Guide to Computers in the Class-
room to be published in October 1988 by
LDA , 32 Bridge St } Cambridge.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
77
I ; ^
PRESS
Dabhand
User
News
David Atherton and
Bruce Smith bring
you the first book
written specifically
for the Archimedes.
A must for every
Acorn User's book-
shelf is Archimedes
Assembly Language:
A Dabhand Guide
by Acorn User con-
tributor Mike Ginns.
If you are a Mini
Office II user then
you need our new
support ROM -
MiniDriver - for
your micro providing
printer support and a
ViewData terminal.
Dab Handers. Don’t
foget that we already
have an extensive list
of books and soft-
ware for your Acorn
machine with more
on the way.
See us at the PCW
Show for some excit-
ing new Archimedes
software releases.
A two minute phone
call will secure you a
copy of our FREE 32
page catalogue
containing full
details of all our
books and software
products.
Archimedes
Dabhand Guides
Archimedes Assembly Language
At last the first book specifically written to provide a complete guide to
programming the Archimedes in machine code. Whether you are an
Archimedes owner, a user, or just interested in the ARM chip this book is
truely the definitive guide.
In a massive 368 pages, author Mike Ginns provides a clear, step by step
account of using the assembler. Practical throughout containing 66 docu-
mented programs illustrating the theory, and making it ideal for the begin-
ner as well as serving as a superb comprehensive reference.
But this book goes much, much further. For instance it explains how to use
the Debugger and there is a large section on implementing BASIC equiva-
lents in machine code plus coverage of Arthur and use of SWIs, WIMPs, the
Font Manager, graphics and sound to name but a few. In fact every thing you
need to program the Archie and to convert BASIC programs into assembler.
The book is applicable to all Archimedes computers and includes a full
reference section. A programs disc is also available and contains 11 extra
programs including a disassembler, memory editor and disc sector editor.
Price: Incredibly just £14.95 for book, £9.95 for disc, £21 .95 ordered together.
MiniDriver: Printer Power for Mini Office II Users
Yet another first for Dabs Press - the first support ROM for Mini Office II,
providing powerful printer support from within any module and a View-
Data terminal all in one for just £24.95 including examples disc and manual .
Printer control is achieved by use of simple, easy to remember two-letter
commands with can be embedded in your wordprocessor text or used from
any of the menus. Other features include: on-screen preview, test print and
a high quality NLQ printer driver giving letter quality text on any Epson-
compatible printer. The ViewData terminal allows you to access services
such as Prestel and Micronet, not catered for by the Comms module.
Master Operating System by David Atherton
This masterly guide to the B+, Master 128 and Compact written by Hints &
Tips man David Atherton is the guide to getting the most from these micros,
and highly recommended for the bookshelf. A&B said it that it is "invaluable " .
Comparing it with the New Advanced User Guide and the WE Advanced
Reference Guide Beebug magazine said: "The Dabs book certainly has more
detailed information on the MOS as one would expect". At only £12.95 or £17.95
with disc it's also considerably cheaper!
FREE!
Write to us, phone us, or send us a mailbox and we will send you, free of
charge, our information packed 32 page catalogue giving full details of all
our products. We'll aslo send you details of new books and software as they
role off the presses. Come and see us at the PCW Show for thcreleaseof some
exciting new products!
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Dabs Press (AU), 76 Gardner Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 7HU.
Phone: 061-773-2413 Prestel: 942876210 BT Gold: 72:MAG11596
78
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
YELLOW PAGES
COMPATIBILITY
Program
Page
BBC B
B4-/128
Master
128
Master
Compact
Electron
Arc
6502SP/
Turbo
ADFS
Econct
Shadow
RAM
Monthly
T/D
Hints & Tips
79
Listing 1
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Listing 2
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Listing 3
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Listing 4
Arc Agora
84
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Listing 1-4
■
■
■
■
■
Joe’s Jottings
87
Listings 1
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Network Page (1)
94
Listings 1-3
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Note
1. Requires Teletext Adapter
& ATS ROM
HINTS & TIPS
See Hints & Tips, page 33
Listing 1. Instant text dump
10 REM print screen f
2B0
SEI
610
BNE exit
unction
290
LDX
#entry MOD 256
620
LDA #13
20 REM by David Ather
300
LDY
evntv
630
LDX #4
ton and Graham Bell
310
STX
evntv
640
JSR osbyte
30 REM for BBC B/B+/M
320
STY
exi tv
650
CLI
/C
330
LDX
#entry DIV 256
660
JSR prinsc
40 REM (c) Acorn User
340
LDY
evntv+1
670
LDA #14
August 19BB
350
STX
evntv+1
680
LDX #4
50 s
360
STY
exi tv+1
690
JSR osbyte
60 osbyte= 3 &FFF4
370
CLI
700
.exit
70 oswrch=&FFEE
3B0
LDA
#14
710
PLA
BO evntv =&0220
390
LDX
#4
720
TAY
90 printw=BO
400
JSR
osbyte
730
PLA
100 :
410
RTS
740
TAX
110 FOR pass=0 TO 3 ST
420
:
750
PLA
EP 3
430
. entry
760
PLP
120 P7.=&0900
440
P HP
770
JMP (exitv)
130 :
450
PHA
780
•
140 C
460
TXA
790
.exitv OPT
FNequw
150 OPT pass
470
PHA
(0)
160 . instal
4B0
TYA
800
.xpos OPT
FNequb
170 LDA evntv
490
PHA
(0)
180 CMP #entry MOD 256
500
LDA
#129
810
-ypos OPT
FNequb
190 BNE notin
510
LDX
#150
(0)
200 LDA evntv+1
520
LDY
#255
820
.width OPT
FNequb
210 CMP #entry DIV 256
530
JSR
osbyte
(0)
220 BNE notin
540
CPX
#255
830
. wi d2 OPT
FNequb
230 BRK
550
BNE
exit
<0)
240 OPT FNequb ( 12B)
560
LDA
#129
840
.lines OPT
FNequb
250 OPT FNequs ( "PrtSc
570
LDX
#254
(0)
already installed")
580
LDY
#255
850
.
260 BRK
590
JSR
osbyte
860
. prinsc
270 .notin
600
CPX
#255
870
LDA #134
Continued ►
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
79
YELLOW PAGES
◄ Hints & Tips listing 1 continued
B0O
JSR osbyte
1300
. movprt
llation, press CTRL COPY
090
STX xpos
1390
DEC wid2
"’"for a screen dump"
900
STY ypos
1400
BNE nonewl
1050
I7.=GET
910
LDA #30
1410
. newl
1060
IF I7.=ASC "I" THEN
920
JSR oswrch
1420
DEC lines
CALL
8(900
930
LDA #135
1430
LDA width
1070
IF I7.=ASC "S" THEN
940
JSR osbyte
1440
STA wid2
PROCoscli ("SAVE PRTSC 9
950
TYA
1450
CMP ttprintw
00 "+STR*~end )
960
ASL A
1460
BEQ nonewl
1000
END
970
TAY
1470
LDA #13
1090
:
900
LDA size, Y
1400
JSR princh
1900
DEF FNequb (b*/.)
990
STA width
1490
LDA #10
1910
?P"/.=b"/.
1000
STA wid2
1500
JSR princh
1920
P7.=P’/.+ l
1010
LDA si ze+ 1 , Y
1510
. nonewl
1930
=pass
f020
STA lines
1520
RTS
1940
:
1030
1530
8
1950
DEF FNequw(b"/.)
1040
. loop
1540
. movcur
1960
?py.=b"/. MOD 256
1050
LDA #135
1550
LDA lines
1970
Py.?l=b% DIV 256
1060
JSR osbyte
1560
BEQ nonewc
1900
py.=p -/.+2
1070
TXA
1570
LDA #9
1990
=pass
1000
BNE loopl
1500
JSR oswrch
2000
8
1090
LDA #32
1590
. nonewc
2010
DEF FNequs(b*)
1100
. loopl
1600
RTS
2020
$p-/.=b$
1110
JSR princh
1610
:
2030
Py.=P"/.+LEN<b*)
1120
JSR movprt
1620
. size
2040
=pass
1130
JSR movcur
1630
OPT FNequb (00)
2050
8
1140
BNE loop
1640
OPT FNequb (32)
2060
DEF PROCoscli (stri
1150
LDA #12
1650
OPT FNequb (40)
ng*)
1160
JSR princh
1660
OPT FNequb (32)
2070
DIM Xy. 8(FF
1170
LDA #31
1670
OPT FNequb (20)
2000
YX=Xy. DIV 256
1100
JSR oswrch
1600
OPT FNequb (32)
2090
*Xy.=stri ng*
1190
LDA xpos
1690
OPT FNequb (00)
2100
CALL 8<FFF7
1200
JSR oswrch
1700
OPT FNequb (25)
2110
ENDPROC
1210
LDA ypos
1710
OPT FNequb (40)
2120
*
1220
JSR oswrch
1720
OPT FNequb (32)
2130
DEF PROCchecksum (
1230
LDA #7
1730
OPT FNequb (20)
start.
, end, sum)
1240
JSR oswrch
1740
OPT FNequb (32)
2140
C'/.=0
1250
RTS
1750
OPT FNequb (40)
2150
FOR IX=start TO en
1260
:
1760
OPT FNequb (25)
d
1270
. princh
1770
OPT FNequb (40)
2160
cy.=cy.+?(r/.)
1200
PHA
1700
OPT FNequb (25)
2170
NEXT
1290
LDA #3
1790
- end
2100
IF C"/.=sum THEN END
1300
LDX #10
1000
1 NEXT
PROC
1310
JSR osbyte
1010
:
2190
PRINT "Please chec
1320
PLA
1020
PROCchecksum (&900 k listing"
1330
JSR oswrch
, end-:
1,8<0O6O)
1340
LDA #3
1030
PRINT "Press I to
1350
JSR osbyte
install or S to save cod
1360
RTS
e"
1370
:
1040
PRINT "After insta
Listing 2. Scrabble scorer
10
REM Scrabble Scorer II
170
•
20
REM by Richard
Main
100
CLS
30
REM for B/B+/E/M/C/A
190
PROCheader
40
REM Acorn User
Aug 00
200
PROCdi splay
50
:
210
REPEAT
60
DIM letts*(50)
. lef tlet* ( 10)
220
FOR P7.= l TO N
70
MODE 6
230
PRINT TAB <0, <P'/.*4) -3) ; "Player ";P/.
00
PROCheader
.ii ii .
9 9
; name* <P V.)
90
INPUTTAB (0, 2) "
How many
players (1- 240
INPUT "What is
your word" ; SPC22; TA
4)
N
B (20,
(P/L*4) -2) ; word*
100
IF N>4 OR N< 1
VDU 7 s GOTO 50
250
length=LEN (word*)
110
DIM name* (N) , scored (N)
, none (N)
260
FOR letts’/.=l TO length
120
FOR A7.= l TO N
270
letts* (letts7.) :
=MID* (word*, lettsy., 1
130
PRINT’ "Player
" ;A7.;" Enter your
na )
me : '
ii •
,
200
NEXT
140
scored (A%) =0
290
total Y.=0
150
INPUT "" name* <A7.)
300
FOR loop=l TO
1 ength
160
NEXT
310
RESTORE
Continued ►
HINTS & TIPS
80
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
YELLOW PAGES
HINTS & TIPS
< Hints & Tips listing 2 continued
320 FOR check=l TO 26
330 READ 1 etter$, valued
340 IF 1 etter$=l etts$ (loop) total7.=tot
al’/.+ value’/. ELSE 370
350 IF letts$ (loop+1 ) ="l " total ’/.=total
7.+ value’/.
360 IF 1 etts$ (loop+1 ) =*"h" total ’/.=total
7.+ (2# value’/.)
370 NEXT
380 IF letts$ (loop) ="d" total ’/.=total ’/.*
2
390 IF letts$ (loop) = "t " total ’/.=total 7.*
3
400 NEXT
410 PRINT TAB (0, <P7.*4)-1) "Word scores
"; total "/.;SPC22
420 PRINT TAB <0, 17) ; "Are you sure this
is right (Y/N) " ; : S$=CHR$ (GET AND &DF)
430 PRINT TAB<0, 17) ;SPC38;
440 IF S$< >" Y" AND S*<>"N" VDU 7:G0T0
420
450 IF S$="N" GOTO 230
460 score"/. <PX> =scoreX (PX) +total X
470 NEXT
480 PRQCscores
490 PRINT TAB <0, 17) ; "Have you -finished
? (Y/N)“;SPC9;
500 F$=CHR$ (GET AND &DF)
510 PRINT TAB (0, 17) ; SPC38;
520 IF F*< >"Y" AND F*<>"N" VDU 7: GOTO
500
530 UNTIL F*="Y"
540 :
550 combi ne=0
560 CLS
570 PROCdi splay
580 FOR final X=1 TO N
590 PRINT TAB(0, (4*f i nal X) -3) ; "Player
";f inalX; ", ";name$(f inalX) ; ", What hav
e you left?"
600 INPUTTAB (0, (4*f inal X) -2) ; 1 ef t*
610 total=0
620 lengthX=LEN (left*)
630 IF lengthX=0 THEN none(f inalX) =1:G
0T0 760: ELSE none (f i nalX) =0
640 FOR loop=l TO lengthX
650 lef t let* (loop) =MID* (left*, loop, 1 )
660 NEXT
670 FOR loop2=l TO lengthX
680 RESTORE
690 FOR check=l TO 26
700 READ check*, value
710 IF lef tlet* (loop2) =check* total=to
tal+value
720 NEXT
730 NEXT
740 combi ne=combi ne+total
750 scor e"/. (f i nal X) =score"/. (final"/.) -tota
760 PRINT TAB (0, (4#f inalX) -1 ) ; "You hav
e " ; total ; " left"
770 NEXT
780 FOR loop=l TO N
790 IF none(loop)=l THEN scoreX (1 oop) =
scoreX (1 oop) -t-combi ne
800 NEXT
810 PROC scores
820 :
830 PRINT TAB (0, 18) j "Do you want a pri
ntout? (Y/N) ";
840 P*=CHR$ (GET AND &DF)
850 IF P*< >" Y" AND P*<>"N" VDU 7: GOTO
840
860 IF p$="Y" PROCpr i ntscor e
870 END
880 :
890 DATA A, 1,B,3,C,3,D,2,E, 1,F,4,G,2
900 DATA H,4, I, 1, J,8,K,5,L, 1,M,3,N, 1
910 DATA 0, 1,P,3,Q, 10, R, 1,S, 1,T, 1,U, 1
920 DATA V,4,W,4,X,8,Y,4,Z, 10
930 :
940 DEF PROCdi splay
950 FOR S"/.= l TO N
960 PRINT TAB (0, 19+SX) ; "Player ";SX;",
" ; name* <SX)
970 PRINT TAB (20, 19+SX) ; " Your score i
s"
980 NEXT
990 PROCscores
1000 ENDPROC
1010 :
1020 DEF PROCscores
1030 FOR S"/.= l TO N
1040 PRINT TAB (35, 19+SX) ; scoreX (SX)
1050 NEXT
1060 ENDPROC
1070 :
1080 DEF PROCprintscore
1090 CLS
1100 VDU 2
1110 FOR A=1 TO N
1120 PRINT ’
1130 PRINT "Player ";A 5 ", ";name*(A>;
1140 PRINT ; TAB (20);" Your score is " ;s
coreX (A)
1150 NEXT
1160 VDU 3
1170 ENDPROC
1180 :
1190 DEF PROCheader
1200 COLOUR 0
1210 COLOUR 129
1220 PRINT " Acorn User Scrabble Scorer
Mk II ";
1230 COLOUR 1
1240 COLOUR 128
1250 ENDPROC
Listing 3. 8-pin dump enhancer (for NEC Pinwriter)
10 REM Dump to 24-pin
pr i nters
20 REM by Martin Hesk
eth
30 REM -for B/B+/E/M/C
40 REM (c) Acorn User
August 1988
50 :
60 insert=? (7&FFB7+25
6*?&FFBB+&2A) +256*? (?&FF
B7+256*?&FFB8+8<2B)
70
EP 3
FOR pass=0 TO 3 ST
170
180
TVA
PHA
80
P7.=8<900
190
LDA
#128
90
COPT pass
200
LDX
#252
100
. start
210
LDY
#255
110
CPX #3
220
JSR
&FFF4
120
BNE send
230
CPX
#4
130
140
STA block
PHA
240
250
BMI
-full
150
TXA
260
LDA
block+1
160
PHA
270
CMP
#1
Continued ^
ACORN USER AUGUST 19S8
81
YELLOW PAGES
HINTS & TIPS
◄ Hints & Tips listing 3 continued
280 BEQ code
290 CMP #2
300 BEQ jmplength
310 CMP #4
320 BEQ jmpcodel
330 CMP #3
340 BNE jmp
350 JMP expand
360 -jmp
370 LDA block
380 CMP #27
390 BEQ escape
400 -ins
410 PLA
420 TAY
430 PLA
440 TAX
450 PLA
460 -send
470 JMP insert
480 -jmplength
490 JMP length
500 -jmpcodel
510 JMP codel
520 -full
530 PLA
540 TAY
550 PLA
560 TAX
570 PLA
580 SEC
590 RTS
600 :
610 -escape
620 LDA #1
630 STA block+1
640 LDA #27
650 JSR input
660 -return
670 PLA
680 TAY
690 PLA
700 TAX
710 PLA
720 CLC
730 RTS
740 s
750 -code
760 LDA #2
770 STA block+1
780 STA block+2
790 LDA block
800 CMP #ASC"K"
810 BEQ sdens
820 CMP #ASC"L"
830 BEQ ddens
840 CMP #ASC" Y"
850 BEQ ddens
860 CMP #ASC"Z"
870 BEQ tdens
880 CMP #ASC"* U
890 BEQ extracode
900 LDA #0
910 STA block+1
920 JMP ins
930 .extracode
940 LDA #4
950 STA block+1
960 JMP return
970 -sdens
980 LDA #ASC“ * "
990 JSR input
1000 LDA #32
1010 JSR input
1020 JMP return
1030 -ddens
1040 LDA #ASC“ # "
1050 JSR input
1060 LDA #33
1070 JSR input
1080 JMP return
1090 -tdens
1100 LDA #ASC"* n
1110 JSR input
1120 LDA #39
1130 JSR input
1140 JMP return
1150 . crt
1160 LDA #ASC"* M
1170 JSR input
1180 LDA #38
1190 JSR input
1200 JMP return
1210 :
1220 -codel
1230 LDA #2
1240 STA block+1
1250 LDA block
1260 CMP #0
1270 BEQ sdens
1280 CMP #1
1290 BEQ ddens
1300 CMP #2
1310 BEQ ddens
1320 CMP #3
1330 BEQ tdens
1340 CMP #4
1350 BEQ crt
1360 CMP #6
1370 BEQ crt
1380 JSR input
1390 LDA #0
1400 STA block+1
1410 JMP return
1420 -input
1430 LDX #3
1440 JSR insert
1450 RTS
1460 -length
1470 LDA block
1480 DEC block+2
1490 LDX block+2
1500 STA bl ock+3, X
1510 JSR input
1520 LDA block+2
1530 BNE jump
1540 LDA #3
1550 STA block+1
1560 -jump
1570 JMP return
1580 -expand
1590 SEC
1600 LDA block+4
1610 SBC #1
1620 STA block+4
1630 LDA bl ock+3
1640 SBC #0
1650 STA bl ock+3
1660 LDA block+4
1670 CMP #255
1680 BNE triple
1690 LDA bl ock+3
1700 CMP #255
1710 BNE triple
1720 LDA #0
1730 STA block+1
1740 LDA block
1750 JSR input
1760 JMP return
1770 -triple
1780 LDA #0
1790 STA block+5
1800 STA block+6
1810 STA block+7
1820 LDA block
1830 LDY #8
1840 -eloop
1850 CLC
1860 RDL block
1870 BCS ejump
1880 LDX #3
1890 -eloopl
1900 CLC
1910 ROL block+7
1920 ROL block+6
1930 ROL block+5
1940 DEX
1950 CPX #0
1960 BNE eloopl
1970 JMP endloop
1980 -ejump
1990 LDX #3
2000 -eloop2
2010 SEC
2020 ROL block+7
2030 ROL block+6
2040 ROL block+5
2050 DEX
2060 CPX #0
2070 BNE el oop2
2080 -endloop
2090 DEY
2100 CPY #0
2110 BNE eloop
2120 LDA block+5
2130 JSR input
2140 LDA block+6
2150 JSR input
2160 LDA block+7
2170 JSR input
2180 JMP return
2190 -block.
2200 OPT FNequb(O)
2210 1
2220 NEXT pass
2230 PROCchecksum (start
, block-start, 42374)
2240 ?&22A=start MOD 25
6
2250 ?&22B=start DIV 25
6
2260 ? (block+1 ) =0
2270 PRINT *'8 pin - 24
pin Converter now active
it
2280 END
2290 :
2300 DEF PROCchecksum <s
tart7., 1 ength"/., resul t*/.)
2310 total 7.=0
2320 FOR bytey.=start*/. T
0 starty.+ l engthy.
2330 total y.=totaiy.+?byt
eV.
2340 NEXT
2350 IF total */-=resulty.
THEN ENDPROC
2360 PRINT "Checksum er
ror . " 9 "PI ease check list
ing and rerun-"
2370 END
2380 s
2390 DEF FNequb (bTC)
2400 ?P"/.=b7.
2410 py.=py.+ i
2420 =pass
82
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
YELLOW PAGES
HINT S & TIPS
Listing 4. Powers of two
10 REM Powers of 2
20 REM by Martin Hesk
eth
30 REM for B/B+/E/M/C
40 REM (c) Acorn User
August 1988
50 :
60 MODE 7
70 VDU 23, 1 , 0; 0; 0; 0; 0
80 start=&1900
90 f inish=8(7BOO
100 FOR pass"/.=0 TO 3 S
TEP 3
110 P"/.=8(900
120 COPT pass*
130 LDA #start MOD 256
140 STA 8<70
150 LDA #start DIV 256
160 STA 8(71
170 LDV #0
180 .loop
190 LDA #0
200 STA (8(70), Y
210 INY
220 CPY #0
230 BNE loop
240 INC 8(71
250 LDA &7 1
260 CMP # ( f i n i sh DIV 2
56) +1
270 BNE loop
280 LDA #1
290 STA finish
300 STA 8(76
310 LDA #f i ni sh DIV 25
6
320 STA 8(71
330 LDA #0
340 STA 8(75
350 STA 8<74
360 STA 8(80
370 STA 8(77
380 STA 8(78
390 .mainloop
400 CLC
410 LDY #0
420 LDA (8(70) , Y
430 ROL A
440 ADC 8(80
450 STA (8(70) , Y
460 LDA #0
470 STA &80
480 LDA (8(70) , Y
490 CMP #10
500 BM I jump
510 SEC
520 SBC #10
530 STA (8(70) , Y
540 LDA #1
550 STA 8(80
560 .jump
570 DEC &70
580 LDA 8(70
590 CMP #255
600 BNE jumpl
610 DEC 8(7 1
620 LDA 8(71
630 CMP #start DIV 256
640 BEQ end
650 :
660 .jumpl
670 DEC 8(74
680 LDA &74
690 CMP #255
700 BNE mainloop
710 DEC 8<75
720 LDA 8<75
730 CMP #255
740 BNE mainloop
750 BEQ jump2
760 s
770 DEC 8<70
780 LDA 8<70
790 BNE jump2
BOO DEC 8(71
810 LDA 8(71
820 CMP #start DIV 256
830 BEQ end
840 .jump2
850 LDA 8<80
860 BEQ jump3
870 STA (8(70), Y
880 DEC 8(70
890 LDA 8(70
900 CMP #255
910 BNE jump3
920 DEC 8(71
930 LDA 8(71
940 CMP #start DIV 256
950 BEQ end
960 .jump3
970 LDA #129
980 LDX #157
990 LDY #255
1000 JSR 8(FFF4
1010 CPX #255
1020 BEQ print
1030 .return
1040 JSR up
1050 JMP mainloop
1060 .end
1070 LDA #7
1080 JSR 8(FFEE
1090 RTS
1100 .print
1110 LDA 8(70
1120 STA 8(72
1130 LDA 8(71
1140 STA 8(73
1150 JSR header
1160 -printloop
1170 LDY #1
1180 CLC
1190 LDA (8(72), Y
1200 ADC #48
1210 JSR 8<FFEE
1220 INC 8(72
1230 LDA 8(72
1240 BNE printloop
1250 INC 8(73
1260 LDA 8(73
1270 CMP #f inish DIV 25
6
1280 BNE printloop
1290 LDA #13
1300 JSR 8(FFE3
1310 JSR 8(FFE3
1320 JMP return
1330 .up
1340 SEC
1350 LDA # (f i ni sh DIV 2
56) —1
1360 SBC 8(71
1370 STA 8(75
1380 SEC
1390 LDA #255
1400 SBC 8(70
1410 STA 8(74
1420
CLC
1430
6
LDA
#f inish DIV 25
1440
STA
8(71
1450
s
1460
LDA
#0
1470
STA
8(70
1480
LDA
8(74
1490
ADC
8(80
1500
STA
8(74
1510
LDA
8(75
1520
ADC
#0
1530
STA
8(75
1540
LDA
#0
1550
STA
8<80
1560
SED
1570
CLC
1580
LDA
8(76
1590
ADC
#1
1600
STA
8(76
1610
LDA
8(77
1620
ADC
#0
1630
STA
8(77
1640
LDA
8(78
1650
ADC
#0
1660
STA
8(78
1670
CLD
1680
RTS
1690
. header
1700
LDA
#ASC"2"
1710
JSR
8(FFEE
1720
LDA
#32
1730
JSR
8(FFEE
1740
LDA
#ASC"^"
1750
JSR
8(FFEE
1760
LDA
#32
1770
JSR
8<FFEE
1780
LDX
#2
1790
. hloop
1800
LDA
8(76, X
1810
AND
#8(F0
1820
LDY
#4
1830
-hloop 1
1840
LSR
A
1850
DEY
1860
BNE
hloop 1
1870
CLC
1880
ADC
#48
1890
JSR
8(FFEE
1900
LDA
8(76, X
1910
AND
#15
1920
CLC
1930
ADC
#48
1940
JSR
8(FFEE
1950
DEX
1960
CPX
#255
1970
BNE
hloop
1980
LDA
#32
1990
JSR
8(FFEE
2000
LDA
#ASC"="
2010
JSR
8(FFEE
2020
LDA
#32
2030
JSR
8(FFEE
2040
RTS
2050
1
2060
NEXT pass"/.
2070
PROCchecksum (8(900,
348,46547)
2080 PRINT "Press SPACE
to see the numbers"
2090 CALL 8(900
2100 END
2110 s
2120 DEF PROCchecksum (s
tart*/., length^, resul t%)
Continued ►
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
83
YELLOW PAGES
A R C A cm
◄ Hints & Tips listing 4 continued
2130 total 7.=0
2140 FOR byte7.=start7. T
0 start7.+length7.
2150 total 7.=total7.+?byt
e7.
2160 NEXT
2170 IF total 7.=result7.
THEN ENDPROC
2180 PRINT "Checksum er
ror. "’ "Please check list
ing and rerun. "
2190 END
The easiest way to enter the listing is to buy the monthly listings disc or cassette. The
disc is fully menu-driven and an excellent buy at only £5.95. The programs are also
available on 3.5 inch disc for the Archimedes, Compact and Electron at £7.95. See the
order form on page 101/102 for details.
The listings can also be downloaded from Micronet if you have a Micronet
subscription. The Acorn User software can be downloaded just like any other
programs from Prestel. Log on as normal and type *AU#. The charge for the software
from Micronet is £5.00, so you can save money too.
See Archimedes Agora, page 48
Listing 1. Screen compacter/decompacter
10 REM Arc Agora - listing 1
510
SWI "0S_WriteC"
20 REM ScreenUti 1 s source
520
MOV Rl,#3
30 REM by David Acton
530
SWI "OSJReadModeVariable"
40 REM -for Archimedes only
540
MOV numcol, R2
50 REM (c) Acorn User August 1988
550
. 1 oadpal
60 ;
560
MOV current,#2
70 MODE 3
570
. 1 oadpal 2
80 DIM code7. &1000
580
SWI &100+19
90 temp=0: size=2: byte=3: scrsi ze=4
590
MOV RO, numcol
100 cur rent =5: count =6: numcol =7 : pass^
600
SWI "QS_WriteC"
110 databi ts=8: datacount=9: numbi ts=10
610
ADD RO, current , #16
120 scrst=ll:sp=13:link=14:pc=15
620
SWI "OS WriteC"
130 FOR pass‘/.=4 TO 6 STEP 2
630
MOV R1 , #24
140 P7.=0:07.=code7.
640
BL multiread
150 COPT pass7.
650
STR RO, CR12, #361
160 EQUD 0
660
ADD RO, R12, #36
170 EQUD init
670
MOV R1 , #3
180 EQUD 0
680
SWI "0S_Wri teN"
190 EQUD 0
690
SUBS current, current , #1
200 EQUD title
700
BNE 1 oadpal 2
210 EQUD help
710
SUBS numcol , numcol , #1
220 EQUD commandtable
720
BPL 1 oadpal
230 .title
730
BL initscreen
240 FNequz ( "ScreenUti 1 s" )
740
BL bget
250 .help
750
MDV numbi ts,R0
260 FNequz ( "ScreenUti 1 s"+CHR$ (9) +" 1 . 00
760
. loadloop
("+MID*(TIME*,5, ll>+"> ">
770
BL bget
270 -commandtable
780
MOV current,RO
280 FNcom ( "LoadPi c " , 1 dpi c , &1FF0 1 , 1 dpi c
790
MOV Rl, numbi ts
syntax , ldpichelp)
800
BL multiread
290 FNcom ( "SavePic" , svpi c, &1FF01 , svpic
810
ADD count, R0,#1
syntax , svpichelp)
820
. loadloop2
300 EQUD 0
830
STRB current, Cscrst , scrsi zel
310 .ldpicsyntax
840
SUBS scrsize, scrsize, #1
320 FNequz ("Syntax: *LoadPic C-filename
850
BMI close
>")
860
SUBS count, count , #1
330 .ldpichelp
870
BNE 1 oadl oop2
340 FNequz <"*LoadPic <filename> loads
880
B loadloop
a screen saved with *SavePic.")
890
2
350 .svpicsyntax
900
. initscreen
360 FNequz ("Syntax: *SavePic filename
910
STMFD (sp)!, Clink!
>")
920
SWI "OS RemoveCursors"
370 .svpichelp
930
MOV RO, #140
380 FNequz ("*SavePic <-filename> compac
940
STR RO, CR12I
ts and saves the current screen.")
950
MVN RO, #0
390 :
960
STR RO, CR12, #41
400 .ldpic
970
MOV RO, R12
410 STMFD (sp) ! , Clink!
980
ADD Rl , R12, #8
420 LDR R12, CR121
990
SWI "OS ReadVduVari abl es"
430 MOV R1,R0
1000
LDR RO, CR12, #323
440 MOV RO, #&40
1010
MOV Rl , #7
450 SWI "OS Find"
1020
SW I " 0S_Read Mod eVar i ab 1 e "
460 STR RO, CR12, #201
1030
LDR scrst , CR12, #8!
470 MOV datacount , #1
1040
SUB scrsize, R2, #1
480 BL bget
1050
LDMFD (sp) ! , Cpc!
490 SWI &100+22
500 STR RO, CR12, #321
1060
Continued ►
84
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
YELLOW PAGES
lit HD R A
< Arc Agora listing 1 continued
1070 . svpic
1080 STMFD (sp) ! , Clink}
1090 LDR R12, CR123
1100 MOV R1,R0
1110 MOV RO, #8<80
1120 SWI M OS__Find"
1130 STR RO, CR12,#203
1140 MOV datacount, #8
1150 MOV RO, #135
1160 SWI "QSJByte"
1170 STR R2, CR12, #323
1180 BL initscreen
1190 LDR RO, CR12, #323
1200 BL bput
1210 LDR RO, CR12, #323
1220 MOV Rl,#3
1230 SWI "OS_ReadModeVari abl e"
1240 MOV numcol , R2
1250 -writepal
1260 MOV RO, numcol
1270 MOV R1 , #16
1280 SWI "OS_ReadPalette"
1290 MOV RO, R3, LSR #8
1300 MOV R1 , #24
1310 BL multiwrite
1320 MOV RO, R2, LSR #8
1330 MOV R1 , #24
1340 BL multiwrite
1350 SUBS numcol , numcol , #1
1360 BPL writepal
1370 MOV pass, #0
1380 MOV temp, #&1000000
1390 STR temp, [R12, #283
1400 MOV numbi ts, #16
1410 -savebitloop
1420 MOV size, #0
1430 BL screensub
1440 LDR temp, CR12, #283
1450 CMP size, temp
1460 STRLT si ze, CR12, #283
1470 STRLT numbi ts, CR12, #243
1480 SUBS numbi ts, numbi ts, #1
1490 BNE savebitloop
1500 LDR RO, CR12, #243
1510 BL bput
1520 LDR numbits, CR12,#243
1530 MOV pass, #1
1540 BL screensub
1550 MOV R1 , #31
1560 BL multiwrite
1570 -close
1580 SWI "OS__RestoreCursors"
1590 MOV RO, #0
1600 LDR Rl, CR12, #203
1610 SWI "OS__Find"
1620 LDMFD (sp) ! , Cpc}
1630 s
1640 -screensub
1650 STMFD (sp)!, Clink}
1660 MOV byte,scrsize
1670 -saveloop
1680 LDRB current , Cscrst, byte3
1690 MOV count, #0
1700 - samel oop
1710 LDRB temp , Cscrst , byte 3
1720 CMP temp, current
1730 BNE notsame
1740 ADD count , count, #1
1750 SUBS byte, byte, #1
1760 BMI save2
1770 MOV temp , #1
1780 CMP count , temp , ASL numbits
1790 BNE samel oop
1800 -notsame
1810 BL save
1820 B saveloop
1830 -save
1840 STMFD (sp) ! , -Cl ink>
1850 . save2
1860 CMP pass,#0
1870 ADDEQ size, size, #8
1880 ADDEQ si ze, si ze, numbi ts
1890 LDMEQFD (sp) ! , Cpc}
1900 MOV RO, current
1910 BL bput
1920 SUB RO, count, #1
1930 MOV Rl, numbits
1940 BL multiwrite
1950 LDMFD (sp) ! , Cpc}
1960 :
1970 . bget
1980 MOV Rl , #B
1990 -multiread
2000 STMFD (sp) ! , CR1 , 1 ink}
2010 - mul t i readl oop
2020 STMFD (sp ) ! , CRO, Rl }
2030 SUBS datacount , datacount , #1
2040 BNE dontread
2050 LDR Rl, CR12,#203
2060 SWI "0S_BGet"
2070 MOV databits,RO
2080 MOV datacount, #8
2090 -dontread
2100 MOVS databi ts, databi ts, LSR #1
2110 LDMFD (sp) ! , CR0,R1}
2120 MOV RO, RO, RRX
2130 SUBS Rl , Rl , #1
2140 BNE mul tireadloop
2150 LDMFD (sp > ! , CR1 , 1 i nk}
2160 RSB Rl , Rl , #32
2170 MOV RO, RO, LSR Rl
2180 MOV pc, 1 ink
2190 :
2200 -bput
2210 MOV Rl , #8
2220 -multi write
2230 STMFD (sp) ! , (link)
2240 . mul ti wri tel oop
2250 MOVS RO, RO, LSR #1
2260 STMFD (sp ) ! , CRO, Rl >
2270 MOV databi ts, databi ts, RRX
2280 SUBS datacount , datacount , #1
2290 MOVEQ datacount, #8
2300 LDREQ R1,CR12,#203
2310 MOVEQ RO, databi ts, LSR #24
2320 SWIEQ "0S_BPut"
2330 LDMFD (sp ) ! , CRO, Rl }
2340 SUBS Rl , Rl , #1
2350 BNE mul ti wri tel oop
2360 LDMFD (sp) ! , Cpc}
2370 s
2380 -init
2390 STMFD (sp)!, Clink}
2400 MOV RO, #6
2410 MOV R3, #&100
2420 SWI "0S_Module"
2430 STR R2, CR123
2440 LDMFD (sp) ! , Cpc>
2450 3: NEXT pass’/.
2460 save$="SAVE Scrutils M +STR$~code7.+
"+STR$~07.+ " 0 0"
2470 PRINT" * "save$
2480 settype$="SETTYPE Scrutils FFA"
2490 PRINT" * "settype$
2500 OSCLI (save$)
2510 OSCLI (settype$)
Continued ►
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
85
YELLOW PAGES
◄ Arc Agora listing 1 continued
2520 PRINT"Module saved as ’ Scruti Is’ "
2530 END
2540 :
2550 DEF FNequz (s*>
2560 COPT pass'/.
2570 EQUS s$
2580 EQUB 0
2590 ALIGN
2600 3:=0
2610 :
2620 DEF FNcom (com$ ,call , flags, syntax , h
elp)
2630 COPT pass'/.
2640 FNequz (com$)
2650 EQUD call
2660 EQUD flags
2670 EQUD syntax
2680 EQUD help
2690 3 : =0
Listing 2. Compacter test
10
REM Arc Agora - listing 2
160 PRINT "==> Help on Module ScreenUt
20
REM Compaction test
ils"'
30
REM by David Acton
170 PRINT "*LoadPic <filename> loads a
40
REM for Archimedes only
screen saved"' "with fcSavePi c ■ " ' ' " fcSaveP
50
REM (c) Acorn User August 1988
ic < f i 1 ename> compacts and saves the"'"c
60
i
urrent screen."
70
MODE 15
180 IScreenSave LargePic
80
♦ScrUti 1 s
190 *SavePic Small Pic
90
FOR circ'/.= l TO 1000
200 *LoadPic Small Pic
100
GCOL RND (64) -1 TINT (RND (4) -1 ) *64
210 SYS "0S_File", 5, "LargePic" TO ,,,,
110
CIRCLE FILL RND ( 1280) -1 , RND ( 1024) -
orig7.
1 , RND ( 100)
220 SYS "0S_File" ,5, "Small Pic" TO ,,,,
120
GCOL RND (64) -1 TINT (RND (4) -1 ) *64
new"/.
130
RECTANGLE FILL RND ( 1280) -1 , RND ( 102
230 PRINT"Screen compacted to ";INT(ne
4) -1 , RND ( 150) , RND (150)
wX/orig7.*100) ; "X"
140
NEXT
240 END
150
VDU 28,18,19,61,12,12
Listing 3. Directory tree lister
10
REM Arc Agora - listing 3
380 :
20
REM Tree
390 DEF FNtree
30
REM by J F Button
400 LOCAL seq, number, found, length, file
40
REM for Archimedes only
len
50
REM (c) Acorn User August 1988
410 seq=0: length=0
60
1
420 REPEAT
70
PROCinit
430 SYS"OS_GBPB" , 8, , name, 1 , seq TO ,,,n
BO
LINE INPUT' "Start at directory: "d
umber, seq
ir*'
440 IF number=0 THEN
90
IF dir*=" " dir*="*"
450 name? ( l+?name) =13
100
OSCLI "dir "+dir*
460 name$=$(name+l)
110
length=FNtree
470 IF INSTR (name$, " "> name*=LEFT* (na
120
PRINT' "Total space used=" ; FNtree; "
me*, INSTR(name*, " ")-l)
it*";'
'length") bytes"'
480 PROCindent (level )
130
END
490 SYS "0S_GBPB" , 8, , name, 1 , seq TO , , ,
140
i
nextone
150
DEF PROCinit
500 IF nextone THEN
160
DIM level ( 127) , name &100
510 IF level =0 AND seq=l THEN
170
level =0: indent=6
520 VDU horizontal
180
IF M0DE=7 THEN
530 ELSE
190
topi ine=ASC"-"
540 VDU bottomcorner
200
vertical=ASC" ! "
550 ENDIF
210
horizontal =ASC"“"
560 ELSE
220
r ighttree=ASC"+"
570 IF level =0 AND seq=l THEN
230
bottomcorner=ASC"+"
580 VDU topline
240
ELSE
590 ELSE
250
VDU 23,167,0,0,0,255,24,24,24,24
600 VDU righttree
260
VDU 23, 169,24,24,24,24,24,24,24,24
610 ENDIF
270
VDU 23,166,0,0,0,255,0,0,0,0
620 ENDIF
280
VDU 23, 171,24,24,24,31,24,24,24,24
630 SYS"0S_Fi 1 e" , 5, name$ TO found,,,, f
290
VDU 23,170,24,24,24,31,0,0,0,0
i 1 el en
300
topi ine=167
640 1 ength+=f i 1 el en
310
verti cal =169
650 PRINT STRING* (indent-1, CHR*(horizo
320
hori zontal =166
ntal ) ) ; name*;
330
righttree=171
660 IF found=2 THEN
340
bottomcorner=170
670 PRINT":"
350
ENDIF
680 IF nextone THEN
360
space=32
690 level (level )=space
370
ENDPROC
700 ELSE „ . . _
Continued ►
ARC AGORA
86
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
YELLOW PAGES
JOE'S JOTTINGS
M Arc Agora listing 3 continued
710
level (level ) =vertical
840
PROCindent (level )
720
ENDIF
850
PRINT" (Length=&" ; ^length" ) "
730
level +=1
860
ENDIF
740
□SCLI "dir "+name*
870
=length
750
1 ength+=FNtree
880
j
760
1 evel -=1
890
DEF PROCi ndent < 1 evel )
770
♦ DIR ~
900
1 evel s=0
780
ELSE
910
WHILE levels<level
790
PRINT
920
VDU level (levels)
BOO
ENDIF
930
PRINT STRING* ( i ndent-1 , CHR*space) ;
810
ENDIF
940
level s+=l
820
UNTIL number
950
ENDWHILE
830
IF level THEN
960
ENDPROC
Listing 4. Interrupt demonstration
10 REM Arc Agora - listing 4
20 REM Funny Fill
30 REM by Dave Lawrence
40 REM for Acrhimedes only
50 REM (c) Acorn User August 1988
60 :
70 MODE 13
80 VDU 23,128,1,2,4,8,16,32,64,128
90 VDU 23,129,128,64,32,16,8,4,2,1
100 PROCcode
110 SYS "XOS_Rel ease" , &10, gcol , 10
120 SYS "0S_C1 aim",&10,gcol, 10
130 REPEAT
140 CLS
150 PRINT
160 FOR pass7.= l TO 30
170 VDU 32
180 FOR J7.= l TO 38
190 VDU 127+RND (2)
200 NEXT
210 PRINT
220 NEXT
230 *FX 14,4
240 FILL 640,2
250 *FX 13,4
260 key=INKEY (200)
270 UNTIL FALSE
280 :
290 DEF PROCcode
300 DIM code"/. 500
310 FOR pass7.=0 TO 2 STEP 2
320 P7.=code7.
See Joe’s Jottings, page 55
Listing 1. Graph plotter
10 REM Graphpack VI
190
.
20 REM by Joe Telford
200
REPEAT
30 REM for M/C
210
A7.=FNmove
40 REM (c) Acorn User August 1988
220
IF A7.=ASC("C">
THEN PROCcat
50 :
230
IF A7.=ASC("S")
THEN PROCsave
60 MODE 129
240
IF A7.=ASC("L")
THEN PROCI oad
70 PROCsetup
250
IF A7.=ASC("D")
THEN PROCdel ete
80 movetype*=" "
260
IF A7.= 149 THEN
PROCnewsheet
90 CLS
270
IF A7.= 150 THEN
PROCtitle
100 PROCshowwindow (0)
280
IF A7.= 151 THEN
PROCI egend
110 PROCcl
290
IF A7.= 152 THEN
PRDCdata
120 COLOUR 128
300
IF A7.= 153 THEN
PROCkey
130 COLOUR 2s PRINTTAB (5, 0) "The Joe's J
310
IF A7.= 154 THEN
PROCdrawpi
ottings Graph Pack!";
320
IF A7.= 155 THEN
PROCdrawbar
140 COLOUR 1: PRINTTAB (10, 3) "Press SPAC
330
IF A7.= 156 THEN
PROCdrawl ine
E to begin"
340
UNTIL A7.=ASC("Q")
150 REPEAT UNTIL GET=32
350
:
160 :
360
PROCmessC'Do you really want to en
170 ON ERROR PROCerr
d? Y/N ">
1 80 z 7.=&90A : 0"/.=8<2O2O9
370
REPEAT
Continued ►
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
330 COPT passX
340 . gcol
350 STMFD R13! , CRO, R7, RB, R9, R14>
360 LDR R7, count
370 SUBS R7, R7, #1
380 BPL nope
390 MOV R7, R12
400 MOV R9, PC
410 ORR RB, R9, #3
420 TEQP R8, #0
430 MOVNV RO, RO
440 STMFD R13!,CR14>
450 SWI &100+18
460 SWI &100+0
470 LDR RO, col
480 ADD RO, RO, #1
490 AND RO, RO, #63
500 STR RO, col
510 SWI "OS_Wri teC"
520 LDMFD R13!,CR14>
530 TEQP R9, #0
540 MOVNV RO, RO
550 .nope
560 STR R7, count
570 LDMFD R13 ! , {RO, R7, R8, R9, PC>
580 .col
590 EQUD 0
600 .count
610 EQUD 1
620 1 : NEXT
630 ENDPROC
liLLOWPAGESf -
JOE’S JOTTINGS
◄ Joe’s Jottings listing 1 continued
380 A$=CHR$ (GET AND 223)
390 UNTIL A$="Y" OR A$="N"
400 IF A*="N" THEN GOTO 170
410 *FX 4
420 MODE 128
430 END
440 s
450 DEF PROCnewsheet
460 PROCmess < "Do you really want to re
set everything? Y/N")
470 REPEAT
480 A$=CHR$ (GET AND 223)
490 UNTIL A*="Y" OR A$="N"
500 IF A$="N" THEN PROCmess (""): ENDPRO
C
510 CLEAR
520 RUN
530 END
540 :
550 DEF PROCerr
560 VDU 3
570 *FX 15,0
580 VDU 7
590 IF ERR=17 THEN movetype$=" ": PROCc 1
: PROCmess ("Last action cancel 1 ed !■■ PI eas
e cont i nue. " ) s VDU 7: A$=INKEY$ (300) : PROCm
ess ( " ") sENDPROC
600 IF ERR=190 THEN PROCcl : PROCmess ( "C
an't save: cat full - change disc!" ): VDU
7 : A$=INKEY$ (300) : PROCmess ( " ") sENDPROC
610 IF ERR=179 THEN PROCc 1 : PROCmess ( "C
an't savesdir full - change disc!"):VDU
7: A$=INKEY$ (300) : PROCmess ( " " ) : ENDPROC
620 IF ERR=198 THEN PROCc 1 : PROCmess ( "C
an’t save: disc full - change disc!" ): VDU
7: A$=INKEY$ (300) : PROCmess ( " " ) : ENDPROC
630 PROCmess ("")
640 PRINT TAB (0, 0) ;: REPORT: PRINT; ERR; "
at line "ERL; :
650 VDU 7
660 A$=INKEY$ (500)
670 ENDPROC
680 :
690 DEF PROCcat
700 COLOUR 3
710 COLOUR 128
720 CLS
730 PRINT
740 *DIR S
750 ♦CAT
760 *DIR $
770 :
780 PROCmess ("files available:- ")
790 PRINT TAB (0, 1) "Press space to retu
rn"
800 REPEAT UNTIL GET=32
810 CLS
820 PROCshowwindow (lxp7.)
830 PROCcl
840 ENDPROC
850 :
860 DEF PROCdel ete
870 REPEAT
880 PROCmess ("delete file:- ")
890 f*=FNgpi (7, 0, cap$+l ow*+nos$)
900 IF f$="" THEN PROCcat
910 UNTIL f$>""
920 ch7.=0PENUP("S. "+f*)
930 CLOSE# ch7
940 IF ch7.=0 THEN PROCmess ( "Can ' t find
that file."): VDU 7: A$=INKEY$ (500) : PROCm
ess ( " " ) : ENDPROC
950 OSCL I ("REMOVE S. "+f *)
960 OSCL I ("REMOVE N. "+f ♦)
970 PROCmess ( "Del eted ! ")
980 A$=INKEY$ (300)
990 PROCmess ("" )
1000 ENDPROC
1010 :
1020 DEF PROCsave
1030 REPEAT
1040 PROCmess ("Save as filename:- ")
1050 f $=FNgpi (7, 0, cap$+l ow$+nos$)
1060 IF f*="" THEN PROCcat
1070 UNTIL f*>""
1080 ch7.=0PENUP("S. "+f$>
1090 IF chXOO THEN CLOSE# ch7.: PROCmess
("That file exists"): VDU 7: A$=INKEYS (500
) : PROCmess ( " " ) : ENDPROC
1100 ch7=0PEN0UT ("S. "+f $)
1110 PROCmess ("Saving please wait"
)
1120 FOR x=0 TO max
1130 FOR y=0 TO max
1140 PRINT# ch7.,A$(x,y)
1150 NEXT
1160 NEXT
1170 CLOSE# ch7.
1180 ch7.=0PEN0UT ("N. "+f$)
1190 FOR x=0 TO max
1200 FOR y=0 TO max
1210 PRINT# ch7.,A(x,y)
1220 NEXT
1230 NEXT
1240 CLOSE# ch7.
1250 PROCmess ("Saved ! ")
1260 A$=INKEY$ (300)
1270 PROCmess ("" )
1280 ENDPROC
1290 :
1300 DEF PROCload
1310 REPEAT
1320 PROCmess ("load filename:- ")
1330 f$=FNgpi (7, 0, cap$+l ow*+nos*>
1340 IF f$="" THEN PROCcat
1350 UNTIL f$>""
1360 ch7.=0PENUP ( "S. "+f $)
1370 IF ch7.=0 THEN CLOSE# ch7.: PROCmess (
"Can't find that file."): VDU 7:A*=INKEY$
(500) : PROCmess ( " " ) : ENDPROC
1380 PROCmess ("Loading please wait
">
1390 FOR x=0 TO max
1400 FOR y=0 TO max
1410 INPUT# ch7.,A*(x,y>
1420 NEXT
1430 NEXT
1440 CLOSE# ch7
1450 ch7.=0PENUP ( "N. "+f$)
1460 FOR x=0 TO max
1470 FOR y=0 TO max
14B0 INPUT# ch7.,A(x,y)
1490 NEXT
1500 NEXT
1510 CLOSE# ch7.
1520 xp7.=0:yp7.=0
1530 1 xp7.=0
1540 PROCshowwindow (0)
1550 PROCcl
1560 ENDPROC
1570 :
1580 DEF PROCbmess (t$)
1590 COLOUR 2
1600 COLOUR 128
1610 PRINT TAB (0, 31 ) ; STRINGS (39, " ");
1620 PRINT TAB (0, 31 ) ; t$;
1630 ENDPROC
1640 :
Continued ^
88
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
YELLO W RASES
JOE'S JO TTIHGS
◄ Joe’s Jottings listing 1 continued
1650 DEF PROCprinti t (sx , ex , ey)
1660 *FX 3,10
1670 VDU 2,1,15
1680 PRINT
1690 PRINT " — »;
1700 FOR x=sx TO ex
1710 PRINT " i-";LEFT*(col*(x) ,8) ;
1720 NEXT
1730 PRINT \
1740 FOR y=0 TO yend
1750 VDU 1,15
1760 IF y< 10 PRINT " " ;
1770 @7.=z7.
1780 PRINT ; y;
1790 @7.=&20209
1800 FOR x=sx TO ex
1810 PRINT colchar*;
1820 IF LEFT*(A*(x,y) , 1 ) < >CHR*34 THEN P
RINT A (x , y ) ; : GOTO 1850
1830 IF A*(x,y)=CHR*34 THEN PRINT SPCC9
) ; s GOTO 1850
1840 IF A*(x,y) >CHR*34 THEN PRINT MID*(
A$(x,y) ,2,LENA*(x,y) ) ; SPC ( 10-LEN ( A* <x , y)
) ) ; ELSE PRINT A(x,y) ;
1850 NEXT
1860 PRINT
1870 NEXT
1880 VDU 3
1890 *FX 3,4
1900 ENDPROC
1910 :
1920 DEF PROCmess (t*)
1930 COLOUR 128
1940 COLOUR 3
1950 PRINT TAB (0,0) $ STRING* (200, " ");
1960 PRINT TAB (0, 0) ; t*;
1970 ENDPROC
1980 s
1990 DEF PROCshowwindow (nxp7.)
2000 COLOUR 3
2010 COLOUR 128
2020 PROCdrawaxes (nxpX*4, 0)
2030 PROCdrawwindow (nxp7.*4, 0)
2040 ENDPROC
2050 :
2060 DEF PROCdrawaxes (x , y)
2070 PRINT TAB (0,5) ; "JJ*! " ;
2080 FOR 1 oop7.-x TO x+3
2090 PRINT col*(loop7.) ;
2100 NEXT
2110 FOR loop7.=y TO y+24
2120 PRINT TAB (0,1 oop7-y+6) ; row$ (1 oop7)
2130 NEXT
2140 PROCrcmess
2150 ENDPROC
2160 s
2170 DEF PROCrcmess
2180 IF recalc-f 1 ag=0 PROCbmess ( "Manual
Recalc") : ELSE PROCbmess ( "Auto Recalc")
2190 ENDPROC
2200 :
2210 DEF PROCdrawwi ndow (x , y )
2220 LOCAL yl7.,xl7.,d*
2230 VDU 28,4,30,39,6,12,26
2240 COLOUR 128
2250 FOR yl7.=0 TO 24
2260 FOR x 1 V,=0 TO 3
2270 PRINT TAB(4+xl7.*9,yl7.+6) ;
2280 IF LEFT*(A*(x+xl7.,yl7.) , 1)=CHR*34 T
HEN COLOUR 3:PRINT MID* ( A* (x+x 1 7., yl 7.) , 2,
9) ; : NEXT: NEXT: ENDPROC
2290 IF LEFT*(A*(x+xl7.,yl7.) , 1 ) < >CHR*34
AND A*(x+xl7.,yl7.) >"" THEN COLOUR 2: ELSE
COLOUR 1
2300 PRINT A(x+xl7.,yl7.) ;
2310 NEXT
2320 NEXT
2330 ENDPROC
2340 :
2350 DEF PROCcl
2360 COLOUR 0
2370 IF LEFT*(A*(xp7.,yp7.) , 1)=CHR*<34> T
HEN COLOUR 131 SPRINT TAB((xp7. MOD 4) *9+4
, yp7.+6) ; SPC (9) ; TAB ( (xp7. MOD 4)*9+4,ypX+6
) ;MID*(A*(xp7.,yp7.) ,2,9) ENDPROC
2380 IF LEFT*(A*(xp7.,yp7.) , 1 ) < >CHR*34 AN
D A*(xp7.,yp7.) >"" THEN COLOUR 130: PRINT t
AB((xp7. MOD 4) *9+4, yp7+6) ; SPC (9) ; TAB < txp
7. MOD 4)*9+4,yp7-+6) A(xp7.,yp7.) ; .-ENDPROC
2390 COLOUR 129
2400 PRINT TAB ( (xp7. MOD 4) *9+4, yp7.+6) i 6
PC (9) ; TAB ( (xp% MOD 4) *9+4, yp7.+6) A (xpX, yp
•/-);
2410 ENDPROC
2420 :
2430 DEF PR0Cc2
2440 COLOUR 128: PRINT TAB((xp7. MOD 4) *9
+4, yp7.+6) ; SPC (9) ;
2450 PRINT TAB ( (xp7 MOD 4) *9+4, yp7.+6> |
2460 IF LEFT*(A$(xp7.,yp7.) , 1 ) =CHR*34 THE
N COLOUR 3: PRINT MID* ( A* <xp7., ypX) , 2, 9) f I
ENDPROC
2470 IF LEFT*(A*(xp7.,yp7.) , 1 ) < >CHR*34 AN
D A*(xp7.,yp7.) >"" THEN COLOUR 2: ELSE COLO
UR 1
2480 PRINT A(xp7.,yp7.) ;
2490 ENDPROC
2500 :
2510 DEF FNmove
2520 *FX 4, 1
2530 IF movetype*=" " THEN PRQCfshow
2540 A7.=GET
2550 B7.= l
2560 IF INKEY-1 THEN B7.=2
2570 IF INKEY-2 THEN B7.=3
2580 PR0Cc2
2590 IF A7.= 139 THEN PROCup (B7.)
2600 IF A7.= 138 THEN PROCdown(BX)
2610 IF A7.= 1 36 THEN PR0C1 e-Ft (B7.)
2620 IF A7.= 137 THEN PROCr i ght (B7.)
2630 PROCcl
2640 =A7.
2650 :
2660 DEF PROCf show
2670 IF LEFT*(A*(xp7.,yp7.) , 1 ) < >CHR*34 AN
D A*(xp7.,yp7.) >"" THEN PROCmess ( "Formul a
:= "+A* (xp7., yp7.) ) : ELSE PROCmess ("")
2680 ENDPROC
2690 :
2700 DEF PROCup (b)
2710 IF b=3 THEN yp7.=0: ENDPROC
2720 IF b=2 THEN yp7.=yp7.-4 ELSE yp7.*yptl
-1
2730 IF yp7.<0 THEN yp7.=0
2740 ENDPROC
2750 :
2760 DEF PROCdown (b )
2770 IF b=3 THEN yp7.=max : ENDPROC
2780 IF b=2 THEN yp7.=yp7.+4 ELSE yp7.=ypX
+ 1
2790 IF yp7.>max THEN yp7.=max
2800 ENDPROC
2810 :
2820 DEF PROCleft(b)
2830 IF b=3 THEN xp7.=0: nxp7.=0
2840 IF (b=3) AND ( 1 xp7.=nxp7.) THEN ENDP
ROC
2850 IF (b=3) AND ( 1 xp7.< >nxp7-) PROCshow
Continued ^
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
89
YELLOW PAGES
JOE'S JOTTINGS
◄ Joe’s Jottings listing 1 continued
window (nxp7.) s 1 xp7.=nxp7.s ENDPROC
2860 IF b=2 THEN xp7.=xp7.-4: ELSE xp7.=xp7.
-1
2870 IF xp7.<0 THEN xp7.=0
2880 nxp7.= (xp7. DIO 4)
2890 IF 1 xp7.=nxp7. THEN ENDPROC
2900 PROCshowwindow (nxpX)
2910 Ixp7.=nxp7.
2920 ENDPROC
2930 :
2940 DEF PROCright (b)
2950 IF b=3 THEN xp7.=max : nxp7.=xp7. DIV 4
2960 IF (b=3) AND ( 1 xp7.=nxp7.) THEN ENDP
ROC
2970 IF <b=3) AND ( 1 xp7.< >nxp7.) PROCshow
window (nxpX) : Ixp7.=nxp7.s ENDPROC
2980 IF b=2 THEN xp7.=xp7.+4 ELSE xp7.=xp7.
+ 1
2990 IF xp7->max THEN xp7.=max
3000 nxp7.= (xp7. DIV 4)
3010 IF Ixp7.=nxp7. THEN ENDPROC
3020 PROCshowwindow (nxpX)
3030 Ixp7.=nxp7.
3040 ENDPROC
3050 s
3060 DEF FNgpi ( 1 en , e-f -f ect , val i d* )
3070 LOCAL a*,b
3080 a*=" "
3090 PRINT STRING* (len, "."); STRING* (len
, CHR* (8) ) ;
3100 *FX 20,1
3110 b=GET
3120 IF b=13 THEN =a*
3130 IF b = 127 AND a*="" THEN 3110
3140 IF b=127 a*=LEFT* (a*, LEN (a*) -1 ) s PR
INT CHR*b; " . " ; CHR* (8) ; : GOTO 3110
3150 IF e-f -Fect=0 THEN 3180
3160 IF e-f -f ect=l b=b AND 223 ELSE b=b 0
R 32
3170 IF e-f -f ect=3 AND (RIGHT* (a*, 1 ) = " " 0
R a*=" " ) b=b AND 223
3180 IF LEN (a*) =1 en OR INSTR ( val i d*, CHR
*b ) =0 VDU 7s GOTO 3110
3190 PRINT CHR*b;
3200 a*=a*+CHR*b
3210 GOTO 3110
3220 s
3230 DEF PROCval i d
3240 cap*=" ABCDEFGHI JKLMNQPQRSTUVWXYZ 1 '
3250 low*=" abcdef ghi jkl mnopqrstuvwxyz "
3260 nos*="-. 0123456789"
3270 pun*=" J'liyt ! ()=?/*:+;. ,<>" +
CHR*34
3280 al 1 *=cap*+l ow*+nos*+pun*
3290 ENDPROC
3300 :
3310 DEF PROCsetup
3320 max=24
3330 DIN A* (max +4, max ) , col * (max +4) , row*
(max ) , A (max , max )
3340 DIM title* (3)
3350 FOR xloop7.=0 TO max +4
3360 FOR yloop7.=0 TO max
3370 A* (x I oop 7., yl oop7.) =CHR* (34)
3380 NEXT
3390 NEXT
3400 FOR 1 oop7.=0 TO 9
3410 col*(loop7.)="-Col "+STR* ( 1 oopX)
-I"
3420 NEXT
3430 FOR loop7.= 10 TO max+4
3440 col * ( 1 oop%) ="-Col "+STR*(loop7.)+"-
i H
i
3450 NEXT
3460 FOR 1 oop7.=0 TO 9
3470 row* ( 1 oopX) =" . • "+STR* (loop7.) +" ! "
3480 NEXT
3490 FOR loop7.= 10 TO max
3500 row* (1 oop7.) = " . "+STR* ( 1 oop7.) +" ! "
3510 NEXT
3520 :
3530 xp7.=0:yp7.=0
3540 xmax7.=0s ymax7.=0s lxp7.=0
3550 Isx7.=0:lsy7.=0
3560 Iex7.=0:ley7.=0
3570 s
3580 DIM dsx7.(2) ,dex7.(2) ,dey7.(2) ,dsy7.(2
)
3590 dsx7. ( 1 ) =0s dsy7. ( 1 ) =0: dex7. ( 1 ) =0: dey7.
( 1)=0
3600 dsx7. (2) =0: dsy7. (2) =0: dex7. (2) =0: dey7.
( 2 ) =0
36 1 0 z 7-=07. : @7.=8<20209
3620 recalcf 1 ag=FALSE
3630 tKEY 0 T
3640 *KEY 1 N
3650 *KEY 2 F
3660 *KEY 3 R
3670 *KEY 4 C
3680 *KEY 5 S
3690 *KEY 6 L
3700 *KEY 7 D
3710 *KEY 8 P
3720 *KEY 9 Q
3730 *FX 226,140
3740 *FX 227, 150
3750 PROCval id
3760 DIM max (2) ,r (2) ,c (2) ,min (2) , total (
2 )
3770 DIM 1 eg end* (24) , data (2, 24) , items (2
)
3780 items ( 1 ) =0: i terns (2) =0
3790 DIM key* (2)
3800 ENDPROC
3810 s
3820 DEF PROCdumpout
3830 DIM P7.3,Q7.3
3840 !P7.=&030 10000
3850 !Q7. =*<030201 00
3860 MOVE 0,0
3870 VDU 29,0;0;2, 1,27, 1,65, 1,8, 1, 10
3880 FOR Y7.= 1020 TO 12 STEP- 16
3890 VDU 1,27,1,76,1,192,1,3
3900 FOR X7.=0 TO 1276 STEP 4
3910 A7.=0:B7.=0
3920 FOR Z7.=0 TO 12 STEP 4
3930 C7.=P0INT (X7., Y7.-Z7.)
3940 A7.=A7.*4+PX?C7.
3950 B7.=B7.*4+Q7.?C7.
3960 NEXT
3970 VDU 1, A7-, 1,B7., 1, A 7.
3980 NEXT
3990 VDU 1,10
4000 NEXT
4010 VDU 1,27, 1,64,3
4020 ENDPROC
4030 s
4040 DEF PROCtitle
4050 LOCAL loop7.
4060 REPEAT
4070 PROCmess ( "Please enter upto 3 titl
e 1 i nes: " )
4080 FOR loop7.= l TO 3
4090 @7.=z7.
4100 PRINT TAB <0,1 oopX) ; loop 7.; " s " ;
4110 @7.=*<20209
4120 title* (loop7.)=FNgpi (38,0, all*)
4130 next Continued ►
90
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
YELLO W PAGES
JOE'S JOT TINGS
◄ Joe’s Jottings listing 1 continued
4140 PRINT TAB<0,4) ; "Is this O.K? (Y/N)
• I ■
4150 okS=CHR$ (GET AND 223)
4160 UNTIL ok$="Y"
4170 PROCmess ( " " )
4180 ENDPROC
4190 s
4200 DEF PR0C1 egend
4210 movetypeS="T"
4220 Isx7.=0slsy7.=0
4230 Iex7.=0sley7.=0
4240 PROCmess ("Start legends")
4250 PRINT TAB<0, 1) ; "Move to start of r
ow/column"
4260 PRINT "then press RETURN.";
4270 REPEAT
4280 A7.=FNmove
4290 UNTIL A7.= 13
4300 Isx7.=xp7.slsy7.=yp7.
4310 PROCmess ("End legends")
4320 PRINT TAB<0, 1) ; "Move to end o-f row
/column"
4330 PRINT "then press RETURN.";
4340 REPEAT
4350 A7.=FNmove
4360 UNTIL A7.= 13
4370 1 ex7.=xp7.s Iey7.=yp7.
4380 IF Isx7->lex7. THEN sp=l sx7.s 1 sx7.=l ex
7.s lex7.=sp
4390 IF Isy7.>ley7. THEN sp=l sy7.s 1 sy7.=l ey
7.s ley7.=sp
4400 Ir=lex7.-lsx7.
4410 Ic=ley7.-lsy7.
4420 IF 1 r=0 AND lc=0 PROCmess ( "Legend
can't be 1 slots Reselect !") s VDU 7sAS=IN
KEYS (300) s PROCmess ( " " ) s ENDPROC
4430 IF 1 r< >0 AND lc<>0 PROCmess ( "Legen
d can't have rows & colss Resel ect !"): VD
U 7s AS=INKEYS (300) s PROCmess ( " " ) s ENDPROC
4440 IF ir=0 THEN PROCcopycols ELSE PRO
Ccopyrows
4450 PROCmess ( "Legend selected")
4460 AS=INKEY$ (200)
4470 PROCmess ("")
4480 movetypeS=""
4490 ENDPROC
4500 s
4510 DEF PROCcopycols
4520 LOCAL loop7.
4530 FOR loop7.=lsy7. TO ley7.
4540 1 egend S ( 1 oop 7.- 1 sy 7. ) =M I D$ ( AS ( 1 sx 7. , 1
oop7.) ,2,9)
4550 IF AS(lsx7., 1 oop7.) =CHRS34 OR LEFTS (
AS(lsx7.,loop7.) , 1)<>CHR*(34) THEN legends
( 1 oop7.-l sy7. ) =STRS ( A ( 1 sx 7. , 1 oop7. ) )
4560 NEXT
4570 ENDPROC
4580 s
4590 DEF PROCcopyrows
4600 LOCAL loop7.
4610 FOR loop7.=lsx7. TO lex 7.
4620 1 egen d S ( 1 oop 7.-1 sx 7. ) =M I DS ( AS ( 1 oop 7. ,
lsy7.) ,2,9)
4630 IF AS ( 1 oop7., 1 sy7.) =CHRS34 OR LEFTS (
AS(loop7., Isx7.) , 1)<>CHRS(34) THEN legends
( 1 oop7.-l sx7. ) =STRS (A(l oop7., 1 sy7.) )
4640 NEXT
4650 ENDPROC
4660 s
4670 DEF PROCkey
4680 LOCAL AS,gr
4690 movetypeS="T"
4700 PROCmess ("Key for graph 1 or 2? " )
4710 REPEAT
4720 AS=GET$
4730 UNTIL AS="1" OR AS="2"
4740 gr=VALAS
4750 PROCmess ("Keys ")
4760 PRINT TAB(0, 1) ; "Move to slot with
key for Graph "+AS
4770 PRINT "then press RETURN.";
4780 REPEAT A7.=FNmove
4790 UNTIL A7.= 13
4000 keyS(gr)=MIDS(AS(xp7.,yp7.) ,2,9)
4810 PROCmess ("Key for graph "+AS+" sel
ected" )
4820 AS=INKEYS (200)
4830 PROCmess ("")
4840 movetypeS=""
4850 ENDPROC
4860 s
4B70 DEF PROCdata
4880 movetypeS="T"
4890 PROCmess ("Is this data for graph 1
or 2? ")
4900 REPEAT
4910 AS=GETS
4920 UNTIL AS="1" OR AS="2"
4930 PRINT AS
4940 gr=VALAS
4950 PROCmess ("Start Datas")
4960 PRINT TAB (0, 1) ; "Move to start of r
ow/column"
4970 PRINT "then press RETURN.";
4980 REPEAT
4990 A7.=FNmove
5000 UNTIL A7.= 13
5010 dsx7. (gr ) =xp7.s dsy7. (gr ) =yp7.
5020 PROCmess ( "End Datas")
5030 PRINT TAB(0, 1) ; "Move to end of row
/column"
5040 PRINT "then press RETURN.";
5050 REPEAT A7.=FNmove
5060 UNTIL A7.= 13
5070 dex7.(gr)=xp7.
5080 dey7.(gr)=yp7.
5090 IF dsx7.(gr) >dex7.(gr) THEN sp=dsx7.(
gr ) s dsx7. (gr ) =dex7. (gr ) s dex7. (gr ) =sp
5100 IF dsy7.(gr) >dey7.(gr) THEN sp=dsy7.(
gr ) s dsy7. (gr ) =dey7. (gr ) s dey% (gr ) =sp
5110 r (gr ) =dex7. (gr ) -dsx7. (gr )
5120 c (gr ) =dey7. (gr ) -dsy7. (gr )
5130 IF r (gr ) =0 AND c(gr)=0 PROCmess ("D
ata can't be 1 slots Resel ect !") s VDU 7s A
S=INKEY$ (300) s PROCmess ( " " ) s ENDPROC
5140 IF r (gr ) < >0 AND c(gr)<>0 PROCmess (
"Data can't be rows & colss Resel ect !") s
VDU 7 s AS= INKEYS (300) s PROCmess ("" ) : ENDPRO
C
5150 IF r (gr ) =0 THEN PROCcdcol s (gr ) ELS
E PROCcdrows (gr )
5160 PROCmess ("Data for graph "+STRS(gr
)+" selected")
5170 AS=INKEYS (200)
5180 PROCmess ("")
5190 movetypeS=""
5200 ENDPROC
5210 s
5220 DEF PROCcdcols (g)
5230 LOCAL loop7.
5240 FOR loop7.=dsy7.(g) TO dey7.(g)
5250 data (g, 1 oop7-dsy7 (g ) ) =A (dsxX (g) , lo
op 7.)
5260 i terns (g ) =c (g )
5270 NEXT
5280 ENDPROC
5290 s
5300 DEF PROCcdrows (g)
Continued ►
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
91
YELLOW PAGES
JOE’S JOTTINGS
◄ Joe’s Jottings listing 1 continued
5310 LOCAL loop'/.
5320 FOR loop"/.=dsx"/. (g) TO dex"/. (g)
5330 data (g , loop’/.-dsx"/. (g) ) =A (loop'/., dsy'/.
(g) )
5340 i terns (g) =r (g)
5350 NEXT
5360 ENDPROC
5370 :
5380 DEF PROCdrawbar
5390 gr*=FNdrawwhat
5400 PROCsort (gr*)
5410 IF LEFT* (max$, 1 ) = "D" THEN PROCmess
(max*) : VDU 7: A*=INKEY* (200) s ENDPROC
5420 IF gr*="B" AND ( i terns ( 1 )< >i terns (2)
) PROCmess ("Rows/cols of data must be sa
me length") : VDU 7 : A*=INKEY* (300) : ENDPROC
5430 IF gr*="B" AND (r(l)Or(2) OR c ( 1 )
< >c (2) ) THEN PROCmess ("Both graphs must
be o-f col umns"+CHR* (10) +CHR* ( 13) +"or bot
h must be o-f rows and"+CHR*10+CHR* ( 13) +"
both sets o-f data must be of equal size"
) : VDU 7: A*= INKEY* (300) : ENDPROC
5440 IF maxr — minr=0 THEN PROCmess ( "Data
missing for this graph - reselect !") :A$
=INKEY* (200) : ENDPROC
5450 CLS
5460 PROCaxis
5470 PROCpti tl e
5480 IF gr*="l" OR gr*="B" THEN PROCbar
(1)
5490 IF gr*="2" OR gr*="B" THEN PROCbar
(2)
5500 PROCcheckprintout
5510 CLS
5520 xp'/.=0s yp7.=0
5530 lxp'/.=0
5540 PROCshowwi ndow (0)
5550 PROCcl
5560 ENDPROC
5570 :
5580 DEF PROCbar (g)
5590 COLOUR g+1
5600 PRINT TAB (31 , 4+g) ; key* (g) ;
5610 GCOL 0, g+1
5620 LOCAL loop7.
5630 FOR loop7.=0 TO i terns (g)
5640 PROCrect ( 128+ ( x seal e/2) # (g-l)+loop
"/.*xscale, 64-minr*yscale, xscale/2, data (g,
1 oop"/.) *yscal e, 1 )
5650 NEXT
5660 ENDPROC
5670 s
5680 DEF PROCcheckprintout
5690 REPEAT
5700 PRINT TAB (0,31) "P"j
5710 A*=INKEY*(30)
5720 PRINT TAB (0,31) " ";
5730 IF A*="P" THEN PRINT TAB (0, 31 > " * " ;
: PROCdumpout s UNTIL 0
5740 IF A*>" " THEN 5770
5750 A*=INKEY*(30)
5760 IF A*="P" THEN PRINT TAB (0, 31 ) ;
: PROCdumpout : UNTIL 0
5770 UNTIL A*>""
5780 ENDPROC
5790 s
5800 DEF PROCdrawl i ne
5810 gr*=FNdrawwhat
5820 PROCsort (gr*)
5830 IF LEFT * ( max * , 1 ) =» " D " THEN PROCmess
(max*) : VDU 7s A*=INKEY* (200) s ENDPROC
5840 IF gr*="B" AND (r(l)Or(2) OR c(l)
< >c (2) ) THEN PROCmess ( "Both graphs must
be of columns" +CHR* (10) +CHR* ( 13) +"or bot
h must be of rows") : VDU 7: A*=INKEY* (300)
s ENDPROC
5850 IF gr*="B" AND ( i terns ( 1 )< >i terns (2)
) PROCmess ("Rows/cols of data must be sa
me length") s VDU 7: A*= INKEY* (300) s ENDPROC
5860 IF maxr-minr = 0 THEN PROCmess ("Da
ta missing for this graph - reselect!"):
A*=INKEY* (200) s ENDPROC
5870 CLS
5880 PROCaxis
5890 PROCpti tie
5900 IF gr*=" 1 " OR gr*="B" THEN PROClin
e ( 1 )
5910 IF gr*="2" OR gr*="B" THEN PROClin
e (2)
5920 PROCcheckprintout
5930 CLS
5940 xp7.=0:yp7.=0
5950 lxp7.=0
5960 PROCshowwi ndow (0)
5970 PROCcl
5980 ENDPROC
5990 s
6000 DEF PROCline(g)
6010 COLOUR g+1
6020 PRINT TAB (31, 4+g) ; key* (g) ;
6030 GCOL 0, g+1
6040 LOCAL loop7.
6050 MOVE 128, (64-minr*yscale) +data (g, 0
) *yscale
6060 FOR 1 oop7.= l TO items (g)
6070 DRAW 128+1 oop"/.*xscal e, (64-mi nr *ysc
ale) +data (g, loop"/.) *yscale
6080 NEXT
6090 ENDPROC
6100 s
6110 DEF PROCdrawpi
6120 gr*=FNdrawwhat
6130 PROCsort (gr*)
6140 IF LEFT* (max*, 1)="D" THEN PROCmess
(max*) : VDU 7s A*=INKEY* (200) s ENDPROC
6150 IF gr*="B" AND (r(l)Or(2) OR c(l>
< >c (2) ) THEN PROCmess ("Both graphs must
be of columns"+CHR* ( 10) +CHR* ( 13) +"or bot
h must be of rows"): VDU 7s A*=INKEY* (300)
s ENDPROC
6160 IF maxr-minr=0 THEN PROCmess ( "Data
missing for this graph - reselect !") s A*
= INKEY* (200) s ENDPROC
6170 CLS
6180 PROCpti tl e
6190 IF gr*=" 1 " OR gr*="B" THEN PROCpi (
1)
6200 IF gr*="2" OR gr*="B" THEN PROCpi (
2 )
6210 PROCcheckprintout
6220 CLS
6230 xp7.=0syp"/.=0
6240 lxp"/.=0
6250 PROCshowwindow (0)
6260 PROCcl
6270 ENDPROC
6280 s
6290 DEF PROCpi (g)
6300 LOCAL 1 oop"/., angl e, 1 astangl e, centre
6310 centre=320+600* (g-1)
6320 1 astangl e=90
6330 FOR loop"/.=0 TO items (g)
6340 MOVE centre, 500
6350 MOVE centre+290*C0S (RAD (1 astangl e)
) ,500+290*SIN (RAD (1 astangl e) )
6360 angle=lastangle+ABS (data (g, loop"/.) )
*360/total (g)
6370 PROCef (loop"/.)
Continued ^
92
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
•YELLOW PAGES
JOE'S J 0 T I I N 0 S
<4 Joe’s Jottings listing 1 continued
6380
PLOT 181 , centre+290*C0S (RAD (angle)
7080
DEF PROCmax (n)
) ,500+290*SIN (RAD (angle) )
7090
total (n) =0
6390
1 astangl e=angl e
7100
FOR lp=0 TO i terns Cn)
6400
NEXT
7110
IF data (n, lp) >max <n) THEN max(n)=d
6410
GCOL 0, 1
ata (n
,lp>
6420
MOVE centre, 500
7120
IF data(n,lp)<min(n) THEN min(n)=d
6430
PLOT 149, centre, 794
ata (n
,lp)
6440
COLOUR g+1
7130
total (n) =total (n) +AB5 (data (n, lp ) )
6450
PRINT TAB (5+20* <g-l ) , 27) ; key* (g) ;
7140
NEXT
6460
ENDPROC
7150
ENDPROC
6470
•
7160
8
6480
DEF PROCef(c)
7170
DEF PROCpti tl e
6490
IF INT (c/20) *20=c THEN RESTORE
7180
LOCAL loop/C
6500
LOCAL loopy.
7190
FOR loap-/.= l TO 3
6510
VDU 23
7200
PRINT TAB (20-LEN (title* (laapX) )/2,
6520
FOR loop7.=0 TO 8
loopy.-
-1) ; ti tl e* (loop*/.)
6530
READ d
7210
NEXT
6540
VDU d
7220
ENDPROC
6550
NEXT
7230
8
6560
GCOL 16* (c DIV 4) , c MOD 4
7240
DEF PROCaxis
6570
ENDPROC
7250
GCOL 0, 1
6580
•
7260
PROCrect ( 128, 64, 1024, 832,0)
6590
DATA 12,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
7270
IF minr>0 THEN minr=0
6600
DATA 12, 1,1, 1,1, 1,1, 1,1
7280
yscal e=832/ (maxr — mi nr )
6610
DATA 12,2,2,2,2,2,2,2,2
7290
FOR y=64 TO 896 STEP 64
6620
DATA 12,3,3,3,3,3,3,3,3
7300
@y.=z-/.
6630
:
7310
MOVE 1 152, ys DRAW 100, ys MOVE 0,y+16
6640
DATA 12,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1
7320
yval=INT ( ( (y-64) /yscale) *10+. 5+min
6650
DATA 12,0,2,0,2,0,2,0,2
r* 10) /10
6660
DATA 12,0,3,0,3,0,3,0,3
7330
VDU 5
6670
DATA 12,0,1,1,0,0,1,1,0
7340
IF yval <10 AND yval >-10 THEN PRINT
6680
.
; yval s ELSE PRINT ;INT(yval)
6690
DATA 13,0,2,2,0,0,2,2,0
7350
VDU 4
6700
DATA 13,0,3,3,0,0,3,3,0
7360
@y.=S<20209
6710
DATA 13,1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2
7370
NEXT
6720
DATA 13,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3
7380
GCOL 0,3
6730
.
7390
MOVE 100, 64-mi nr*yscal e
6740
DATA 14,1,2,2,1,1,2,2,1
7400
DRAW 1 180, 64-minr*yscal e
6750
DATA 14,1,3,3,1,1,3,3, 1
7410
GCOL 0, 1
6760
DATA 14,2,3,2,3,2,3,2,3
7420
IF (gr*=" 1 " OR gr*="B") AND c ( 1 ) =0
6770
DATA 14,2,3,3,2,2,3,3,2
THEN
i tems=r ( 1 )
6780
:
7430
IF (gr*=" 1 " OR gr*="B") AND r(l)=0
6790
DATA 15,0,0, 1, 1,0,0, 1, 1
THEN
i tems=c ( 1 )
6800
DATA 15,0,0,2,2,0,0,2,2
7440
IF (gr*="2" OR gr*="B") AND r(2)=0
6810
DATA 15,0,0,3,3,0,0,3,3
THEN
i tems=c (2)
6820
DATA 15,2,2,1,1,2,2,1,1
7450
IF (gr*="2" OR gr*="B") AND c(2)=0
6830
.
THEN
i tems=r (2)
6840
DEF FNdrawwhat
7460
x seal e= 1024/ (i tems+1 )
6850
LOCAL A*
7470
FOR x=12B TO 1152 STEP xscal e
6860
PROCmess ( "Draw Graph 1, 2, or both
7480
0y.=z"/.
? (1/2/B)")
7490
MOVE x , 48
6870
REPEAT
7500
VDU 5
6880
A*=GET*
7510
PRINT LEFT* (legend* < (x-12B)DIV xsc
6890
UNTIL INSTR ( " 12B" , A*) >0
al e) , xscal e/32) ;
6900
PRINT A*
7520
VDU 4
6910
=A*
7530
@y.=&20209
6920
8
7540
MOVE x , 48
6930
DEF PROCsort (g*)
7550
DRAW x , 896
6940
max*=" "
7560
NEXT
6950
max ( 1 ) =0
7570
ENDPROC
6960
max (2) “0
7580
8
6970
min ( 1 ) =9999
7590
DEF PROCrect (x , y, 1 , w, -f )
6980
min (2) =9999
7600
MOVE x , y
6990
IF g*="l" OR g*="B" PROCmax ( 1 )
7610
DRAW x +1 , y
7000
IF g*="2" OR g*="B” PROCmax (2)
7620
IF f=0 DRAW x+1 , y+w ELSE PLOT 85, x
7010
IF max*< >" " THEN ENDPROC
,y+w
7020
maxr=max (2)
7630
IF f =0 DRAW x , y+w ELSE PLOT 85, x+1
7030
IF max ( 1 ) >max (2) THEN maxr=max(l)
,y+w
7040
minr=min (2)
7640
MOVE x,y+w
7050
IF min ( 1 Xmin (2) THEN minr=min(l)
7650
IF f=0 DRAW x , y ELSE MOVE x,y
7060
7070
ENDPROC
7660
ENDPROC
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
93
YELLOW PAGES
See Network Page, page 129
Listinq 1. Teletext f ileserver source code
CMP #13
10
REM Teletext Files
780
STA beast, X
1560
LDA #$<A0
2410
erver
source code
790
DEX
1570
LDY #0
2420
BNE checkstringloo
20
REM by Alistair Sh
800
BPL loop
1580
LDX #4
P
RTS
i mmi n
810
RTS
1590
.cl ear loop
2430
30
REM -for B/B+/M/C
820
. bcaststore
1600
STA (copy),Y
2440
. copyl ine
40
REM (c) Acorn User
830
OPT FNequd (&FFFFB5
1610
INY
2450
LDY #39
Auaust 198B
80)
1620
BNE cl ear loop
2460
. copyl inel oop
50
.
840
OPT FNequd <0)
1630
INC copy+1
2470
LDA (copy) , Y
60
vers$="Vers 2.0"
850
OPT FNequd (0)
1640
DEX
2480
STA (copy40) , Y
70
broadcasttime=50
860
. beast
1650
BNE clearloop
2490
DEY
80
osword=S<FFF 1
870
OPT FNequd (0)
1660
TXA
2500
BPL copyl inel oop
90
osby te=&FFF4
880
. header
1670
LDX #24
2510
INX
100
oswrch=$<FFEE
890
OPT FNequd (0)
1680
. f lagelear
2520
JMP add40
1 1 0
page^&^O
900
OPT FNequd (0)
1690
STA f 1 ag , X
2530
.zero
120
copybase=$<72
910
.time
1700
DEX
2540
LDA #0
130
copy40base=$<74
920
OPT FNequd (-broadc
1710
BPL f lagelear
2550
STA gotrowzero
140
subpage=$<76
asttime)
1720
. disploop
2560
JSR setpointers
150
checkstring=$<78
930
OPT FNequb ($<FF)
1730
LDY #1
2570
LDY #10
160
copy=&7A
940
. set i nterval timer
1740
LDA (page) , Y
2580
. zeroloop
170
copy40=$<7C
950
LDX #t i me MOD 256
1750
CLC
2590
LDA (page) , Y
180
code7.=$<900
960
LDY #t i me DIV 256
1760
ADC gotrowzero
2600
ORA #$<80
190
•
970
LDA #4
1770
BEQ exit
2610
DEY
200
PROCcl ear mem
980
JMP osword
1780
LDA (page) , Y
2620
DEY
210
PROCassembl e
990
. i ni t
1790
BNE notzero
2630
STA (copy) , Y
220
PROCchecksum
1000
LDA $<220
1800
JMP zero
2640
INY
230
PRQCoscli ("SAVE co
1010
STA oldeventvector
1810
. notzero
2650
INY
de 900 " + STR*' v '(end)+" " +
1020
LDA $<221
1820
STA row
2660
INY
STR$~
Unit OR &FFFF0000)
1030
STA oldeventvector
1830
CMP #255
2670
CPY #43
4" FFFF0900" )
+ 1
1840
BEQ exit
2680
BNE zeroloop
240
END
1040
LDA $<200
1850
CMP #24
2690
JMP skip
250
•
1050
STA ol duservector
I860
BCS skip
2700
. add42
260
DEF PROCassemble
1060
LDA $<201
1870
TAX
2710
LDA page
270
EP 3
FOR pass=0 TO 3 ST
1070
1
STA ol duservector*
1880
1890
JSR setpointers
. mul tl oop
2720
2730
CLC
ADC #42
280
P7.=code7.
1080
LDA #decode MOD 25
1900
JSR add40
2740
STA page
290
COPT pass
6
1910
DEX
2750
LDA page+1
300
PHP
1090
STA $<200
1920
BNE mult loop
2760
ADC #0
310
CMP #5
1100
LDA #decode DIV 25
1930
LDY #1
2770
STA page+1
320
BNE notourevent
6
1940
. copychar
2780
DEC rowcounter
330
PHA
1110
STA $<201
1950
INY
2790
RTS
340
TVA
1120
JSR seti nterval ti m
1960
LDA (page),Y
2800
. add40
350
PHA
er
1970
QRA #$<80
2810
LDA copy40
360
TXA
1130
SEI
1980
DEY
2820
CLC
370
PHA
1140
LDA #code*/. MOD 256
1990
DEY
2830
ADC #40
380
JSR shiftbcast
1150
STA $<220
2000
STA (copy) , Y
2840
STA copy40
390
LDA #0
1160
LDA #code7. DIV 256
2010
CMP #8<BD
2850
LDA copy40+l
400
STA chan
1170
STA $<221
2020
BNE notdouble
2860
ADC #0
410
LDX ttchan MOD 256
1180
CLI
2030
LDX row
2870
STA copy40+l
420
LDY #chan DIV 256
1190
LDA #14
2040
DEC f 1 ag, X
2880
LDA copy
430
lDA #$7A
1200
LDX #5
2050
. notdouble
2890
CLC
440
JSR osword
1210
JMP osbyte
2060
INY
2900
ADC #40
450
LDA chan+1
1220
. setpointers
2070
INY
2910
STA copy
460
ORA #48
1230
LDA copybase
2080
CPY #41
2920
LDA copy+1
470
STA header
1240
STA copy
2090
BNE copychar
2930
ADC #0
480
INC header
1250
LDA copybase+1
2100
. skip
2940
STA copy+1
490
LDA &7C0F
1260
STA copy+1
2110
JSR add42
2950
RTS
500
STA header+1
1270
LDA copy40base
2120
BEQ exit
2960
. gotrowzero
510
LDA $<7C10
1280
STA copy40
2130
JMP disploop
2970
OPT FNequb (0)
520
STA header+2
1290
LDA copy40base+l
2140
.exit
2980
. rowcounter
530
LDA &7C1 1
1300
STA copy40+l
2150
JSR setpointers
2990
OPT FNequb (0)
540
STA header+3
1310
RTS
2160
LDX #0
3000
. row
550
LDX #bcast MOD 256
1320
. notourosword
2170
. correctl oop
3010
OPT FNequb (0)
560
LDY #bcast DIV 256
1330
PLP
2180
JSR add40
3020
.flag
570
LDA #$<10
1340
JMP (olduservector
. 2190
INX
3030
OPT FNequd (0)
580
JSR osword
)
2200
LDA f 1 ag , X
3040
OPT FNequd (0)
590
JSR setinterval tim
1350
. decode
2210
BEQ nodouble
3050
OPT FNequd (0)
er
1360
PHP
2220
JSR copyline
3060
OPT FNequd (O
600
PLA
1370
CMP #$<E0
2230
. nodouble
3070
OPT FNequd (0)
610
TAX '
1380
BNE notourosword
2240
CPX #23
3080
OPT FNequd (0)
620
PLA
1390
PLP
2250
BCC correctloop
3090
OPT FNequd (0)
630
TAY
1400
LDA #34
2260
LDY #12
3100
. end
640
PLA
1410
STA rowcounter
2270
LDA ($<AB) , Y
3110
:
650
. notourevent
1420
STX $<AB
2280
PHA
3120
NEXT pass
660
PL P
1430
STY $<A9
2290
INY
3130
ENDPROC
670
JMP (oldeventvecto
1440
LDY #2
2300
LDA ($<AB),Y
3140
:
r)
1450
LDX #0
2310
LDY #1
3150
DEF FNequb (b7.)
680
. ol deventvector
1460
. transf erl oop
2320
STA (subpage), Y
3160
?P7.=b7.
690
OPT FNequw (0)
1470
LDA ($<A8),Y
2330
PLA
3170
P7.=P7.+ 1
700
. olduservector
1480
STA $-.70, X
2340
DEY
3 1 80
=pass
710
OPT FNequw (0)
1490
INX
2350
STA (subpage) , Y
3190
:
720
. chan
1500
INY
2360
LDY #14
3200
DEF FNequw (b7.)
730
OPT FNequw (0)
1510
CRY #12
2370
. checkstr i ngl oop
3210
?P7.»b7. MOD 256
740
. shi f tbcast
1520
BNE transf erloop
2380
LDA ($<AB) , Y
3220
P7.?l=b7. DIV 256
750
LDX #11
1530
LDA #1
2390
STA (checkstring),
3230
py.=py.+2
760
. 1 oop
1540
STA gotrowzero
Y
INY
3240
=pass
770
LDA bcaststore,X
1550
JSR setpointers
2400
3250
Continued ►
94
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
YELLOW PAGES
NETWORK PAGE
Network Page listing 1 continued
3260 DEF FNequd(b7.)
3270 !P*=b*
3280 P*=P*+4
3290 =pass
3300 :
3310 DEF PROCoscli (stri
ng$)
3320 DIM X* &FF
3330 Y*«X* DIV 256
3340 $ X7.=str i ng$
3350 CALL ?<FFF7
3360 ENDPROC
3370 :
3380 DEF F'ROCcl ear mem
3390 FOR I7.=8<900 TO &AF
E
3400 ?I7.=0
3410 NEXT 17.
3420 ENDPROC
3430 :
3440 DEF PROCchecksum
3450 C=0
3460 FOR I7.=8/900 TO &AF
E
3470 C=C+? ( 17. )
3480 NEXT 17.
3490 IF C< >52811 THEN P
RINT “Check 1 i st i ng . " : EN
D
3500 ENDPROC
Listing 2. Teletext fileserver
10 REM TFS Network teletext server
20 REM by Alistair Shimmin
30 REM -for BBC B/B+/M
40 REM (c) Acorn User August 19B8
50 :
60 versi on$="2. 0"
70 binvers*=2*16+0
80 server$= "TELETEXT"
90 server inport=&B3: serveroutport=&B2
100 pageport=&B4
110 f indserverport^&BO
120 serverresponseport=&Bl
130
140 ON ERROR GOTO 5070
150 *FX 200, 1
160 X7.=0: Y*®255: A*=&EA: tube*= (USR (&FFF4 ) AN
D &FFOO) >0
170 *FX 20
180 X7.=0: Y7.=255s A7.=8tB4:oshwm7.=USR(S<FFF4) AN
D &FF00
190 IF tube7. THEN space7.=&7800--oshwm7. ELSE
space*=HIMEM-T0P-&1900
200 maxchanpage*=space*/&594
210 IF maxchanpage7.>20 THEN maxchanpage*=20
220 MODE 7
230 ODU 28,0,24,39,2
240 DIM logon* 16, t i medout7. 10,data7. &40,nu
m* <4) , ti me7. (4) , stati on* (4, 20) , page/C (4,20) , mes
sage7. &50, mem* (20) , rec7. <20 ) , assocpage7. (20) , us
ed* (20) , reef 1 ag* (20) , rol 1 f 1 ag* <4, 20) , request t
ime* (4,20) , starttime7. (20)
250 DIM requestpriori ty7. (4, 20) , bl k7. &30
260 dummy7.=&0FFFFFFF
270 READ roll time
280 request7.=0
290 FOR I7.= l TO 4
300 READ ti me* ( 17.)
310 requestpr i on ty7. (17., 1 ) =dummy*
320 NEXT
330 ODU 23, 1 , 0; 0; 0; 0;
340 IF tube?'. THEN copy=oshwm*: buf f *=copy+&4
00 ELSE DIM buff* &594* (maxchanpage*) , copy &4
00
350 PROCimt
360 7 bl k*=5
370 bl k7.? 1=255
380 X*=blk*:Y*=X% DIV 256
390 A7.=&13: CALL osword
400 queue*=0
410 *TTXON
420 *HON
430 <CH 1
440 T I ME=0
450 PRGCgett i meanddate
460 PROCsetrows (30)
470 *RUN CODE
480 B*=FNsetuprx (server i nport , 0, message7., &5
0)
490 BB7.= s FNsetuprx ( -f i ndserverport , 0, 1 ogon7., 8
)
500 Ch*=l
510 REPEAT
520 Ch*=FNnextchannel
530 PROCi ni tnewchannel
540 REPEAT
550 PROCnetwork
560 PROCtel etex t
570 IF TIME>startti me7. (rec7. < 1 ) ) +time* (Ch7.)
THEN FROCtoolong
580 UNTIL <FNnextchannelOCh7.) OR ((TIME-las
t update* >60*60* 100) AND queue*=0>
590 IF TIME-1 ast update* >60* 60* 100 THEN PROC
gettimeanadate
600 UNTIL FALSE
610 END
620 :
630 DEF PROCi ni tnewchannel
640 PROCoscli ( "CH"+STR$ (Ch7.) )
650 PROCclear
660 FOR I7.=0 TO 20
670 reef 1 ag7. (17.) =0
680 assoepage* ( I*) =0
690 used* (17.) =0
700 NEXT
710 IF num7.(Ch7.) >0 THEN PROCsetuprecords
720 ENDPROC
730 :
740 DEF FNf reerecord (testp*)
750 match*=FALSE
760 -f r7.=- 1
770 REPEAT
780 f r*=f r*+l
790 IF assoepage* (-f r*) =testp* THEN match*=T
RUE: matchpage*=f r*
800 UNTIL match*=TRUE OR f r*=maxchanpage*
810 IF match*=TRUE THEN =matchpage*
820 -f r 7.=- 1
830 REPEAT
840 f r*=f r*+l
850 UNTIL used* <f r7.) =0 OR -f r*=maxchanpage*
860 IF f r*<maxchanpage* THEN =fr*
870 f r*=- 1
880 REPEAT
890 f r*=f r*+l
900 UNTIL red lag*(fr*)=0
910 =fr*
920 :
930 DEF PROCtool ong
940 IF num* (Ch*) =0 THEN ENDPROC
950 $ (timedout*) ="Timed out"
960 PROCtx (pageport , &81 , station* (Ch*, 1 ) , tim
edout*, 10)
970 PROCreorder ( 1 , Ch*)
980 ENDPROC
990 :
1000 DEF FNnextchannel
1010 chosen*=dummy*
1020 nextchan*=FNchannel
1030 FOR f indlowest*=l TO 4
1040 IF requestpriority* (-f indlowest*, lXchos
en* THEN chosen*=requestpri or i ty* (f indlowest*
, 1 ) : nextchan*=f indlowest*
1050 NEXT
1060 -nextehan*
1070 :
1080 DEF PROCsetuprecords
1090 FOR R*=l TO num*(Ch*)
1 100 resul t*=FNal ready (R7.-1 , page* (Ch*, R7.) )
1110 IF resul t*=-l THEN PROCuni que (R7.) ELSE
PROCnotuni que <R*, result*)
1120 NEXT
1130 ENDPROC
1140 :
1150 DEF PROCunique (U7.)
1 160 f ree*=FNf reerecord (page* (Ch*, U*) )
1170 rec* (U7.) =-f ree*
1180 starttime* (-free*) =TIME
1190 reef 1 ag* (f ree*) =recf 1 ag* (free*) +1
1200 mem* (U*) =buf f *+&594#f ree*
1210 PROCsetuprecord (page* (Ch*, U*) , f ree*, buf
f*+&594*free*)
1220 ENDPROC
1230 :
1240 DEF PROCnotuni que (U*, L7.)
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
95
YELLOW PAGESr
NETWORK PAGE
4 Network listing 2 continued
J250 rec‘/.(UX)=rec7.(L7.)
1260 rec- flag'/. (rec7. (L7.) ) =recf lag'/, (rec’/. (L7.) ) +1
1270 mem7. (U7.) =buf f X+&594 *recX (L7.)
1280 ENDPROC
1290 :
1300 DEF FNal ready (maxX,pX>
1310 IF max 7.-0 THEN =-l
1320 alreadyX=FALSE
1330 lookX=0
1340 REPEAT
1350 lookX=lookX+l
1360 IF page7.(Ch7.,look7.)=p7. THEN alreadyX=TR
UE
1370 UNTIL look7.=max7. OR al readyX=TRUE
1380 IF aiready7.=TRUE =lookX
1390 =-l
1400 s
1410 DEF PROCtel etex t
1420 IF num7.<Ch7.) >0 THEN PROCpagetest
1430 ENDPROC
1440 s
1450 DEF PROCpagetest
1460 R7.=0
1470 REPEAT
1480 RX=RX+1
1490 statusX^FNreadrecordf 1 ag (recX(RX) >
1500 IF (status7. AND 2>«2 THEN PROCtransmi tp
age
1510 UNTIL RX>=numX(ChX>
1520 ENDPROC
1530 s
1540 DEF PROCtransmi tpage
1550 IF ( (TIME-requesttimeX(ChX,RX) >/timeX(C
h^Xrol ltime) AND rol 1 f 1 ag7. (Ch7., R7.) THEN ENDP
ROC
1560 update7.*»TIME
1370 REPEAT
1380 recordf 1 agX“FNreadrecor df 1 ag (recX (RX) )
1590 UNTIL (record-f lag7. AND 4)=0 OR TIME>upd
ateX+50
1600 PROCsetrecord-f lag <rec7. (R7.) , r ecord-f 1 ag7.
OR 1)
1610 PROCdispl ay (mem7. <R7.) )
1620 PRINT’ FNst at ion (stat i on7. (Ch7., R7.) ) ;TAB(8
) M . . Recei vi ng page " ; pageX (ChX, RX) ; " on ";Ch7.
i'V";
1630 PROCsetrecord-f 1 ag (rec7. (R7.) , recordf 1 ag7.
AND 254)
1640 PROCtx (pageport , &80, stat i on7. (ChX, R7.) , co
py OR S<FFFF0000, &400)
1650 VDU 23, 1,0;0;0;0;
1660 PROCreorder (R7., Ch7.)
1670 RX*RX-1
1680 ENDPROC
1690 :
1700 DEF PROCinit
1710 osword=8<FFF 1
1720 osbyte-&FFF4
1730 oswrch=&FFEE
1740 ENDPROC
1750 :
1760 DEF PROCcall (code7.)
1770 ?blkX=codeX
1780 XX=blkXiYX=XX DIV 256
1790 AX=&7A: CALL osword
1800 ENDPROC
1810 :
1820 DEF PROCclear
1830 PROCcall (14)
1840 ENDPROC
1850 :
I860 DEF PROCsetrows(rX)
1870 blk7.?l=r7.
i8B0 PROCcall (7)
1890 ENDPROC
1900 :
1910 DEF FNreadrecord-f 1 ag (p7.)
1920 bl k7.?l=p7.
1930 PROCcall (2)
1940 =blk7.?2
1950 :
1960 DEF PR0Csetuprecord(p7.,r7.,17.)
1970 IF rX=maxchanpageX THEN ENDPROC
1980 IF assocpageX(rX)=pX THEN ENDPROC
1990 PROCcall (16)
2000 bl k7.?l= s r7.
2010 blkX?2=pX DIV 100
2020 1 o7.=p7. MOD 10
2030 hi7.= (p7. MOD 100) DIV 10
2040 blkX?3=8<10*hi7.+lo7.
2050 blkX?4=pX MOD 10
2060 blkX?4=&3F
2070 bl kX?5=8<7F
2080 bl kX ! 6=17.
2090 PROCcall (5)
2100 PROCsetrecord-f lag (r7., &80)
2110 assocpage7. (r7.) =p7.
2120 used7.(r7.)=l
2130 ENDPROC
2140 :
2150 DEF PROCsetrecord-f 1 ag (p7., v7.)
2160 blk7.?l=p7.
2170 bl k7.?2=v7.
2180 PROCcall (3)
2190 ENDPROC
2200 s
2210 DEF PROCdispl ay (loc7.)
2220 checkS^FNcheck (loc%)
2230 L=LEN(check$)
2240 !data7.= 14+l+40
2250 data7. ! 2=1 oc7.: data7. ! 4=copy : data7. !6=copy+
40: data7. ! B=copy+8<3FE: data7. ! 10=copy+24*40-14: d
ata7. ! 1 2=1 oc7. ! 3
2260 $(data7.+ 14)=STRING$(39-L, " M )+checki
2270 X7.=data7.: Y7.=X7. DIV 256: A7.=S<E0: CALL oswo
rd
2280 ENDPROC
2290 :
2300 DEF PROCreorder (rd7.,ch7.)
2310 LOCAL 17.
2320 IF num7.(ch7.)=0 THEN ENDPROC
2330 IF Ch7.=ch7. THEN reef 1 ag7. (rec7. (rd7.) ) =rec
f 1 ag7. (rec7. (rd7.) ) -1
2340 FOR I7.=rd7. TO num7. (ch7.) -1
2350 page7. (ch7., 17.) =page7. (ch7., I7.+ 1 )
2360 station7.(ch7., 17.) =stati on7. (ch7., 17. + 1)
2370 IF ch7.=Ch7. THEN mem7. ( 17.) =mem7. ( I7.+ 1 )
2380 IF ch7.=Ch7. THEN rec7. ( 17.) =rec7. ( I7.+ 1 )
2390 requestpriori ty7. (ch7., 17.) =requestpr i or i t
y7.(ch7., I7.+ 1)
2400 rol If Iag7.(ch7., 17.) =rol 1 f 1 ag7. (ch7., I7.+ 1)
2410 requesttime7. (ch7., IX) =requesttime% (ch7., I
X+l)
2420 NEXT
2430 queue7.=queue7.-l
2440 numX (chX) =num7. (chX) -1
2450 IF numX (chX) =0 THEN r equestpr i or i tyX (ch
X, 1 ) =dummyX
2460 ENDPROC
2470 :
2400 DEF PROCdelay (time)
2490 TX=TIME
2500 REPEAT UNTIL TIME>T7.+time
2510 ENDPROC
2520 :
2530 DEF FNcheck ( IX)
2540 bl kX?l = 17. MOD 256
2550 bl kX?2=l X DIV 256
2560 PROCcall (23)
2570 IF blkX?3=0 THEN ="No check"
2580 IF bl kX?3=l THEN ="Good check"
2590 IF bl kX?3=8<FF THEN ="Bad data"
2600 =*'Bad check"
2610 :
2620 DEF PROCoscl i (os$)
2630 SblkX=os*
2640 XX=bl kX: Y7.=XX DIV 256
2650 CALL &FFF7: ENDPROC
2660 :
2670 DEF PROCtx (pX, cbX, stX, bX, 17.)
2680 tr i esX=0
2690 REPEAT
2700 triesX=triesX+l
2710 7blkX=cbX
2720 bl kX?l=pX
2730 blkX !2=stX
2740 bl kX ! 4=bX
2750 bl kX ! 8=bX+l X
2760 XX=blkX: YX=XX DIV 256:AX=8cl0
2770 CALL osword
2780 UNTIL triesX>5 OR FNDolltx*=0
Continued on page 123 ^
96
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
OFFERS
THIS MONTH’S LISTINGS
The August disc contains the first part of
Acorn User's mega space-time adventure
game, Warlord. Part two will follow on
September’s disc.
Joe’s Jottings will enable you to pre-
sent your figures from Joe’s spreadsheets
in bar, pie and line graph form. Use
August’s Hints and Tips background
program to print out the contents of your
screen with a single key stroke. The
programs from Arc Agora are also on the
discs and 3.5-in format is available by
turning to page 101. Archimedes owners
can use the screen utilities program to
load, save and compact all your screens
There is also a tutorial program which wil
show how to use events, or you can use
Directory to draw a tree of all your files
and. directories.
Augusts listings come on 5.25-in 40/
80-track disc at £5.95, 3.5-in disc for the
Archimedes and Compact at £6.95.
Warlord
- The adventurer’s guide
to the Galaxy
DISC SUBSCRIPTIONS
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month our discs contain the very best
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A subscription to the monthly discs will
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A subscription to the Acorn User
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£40. This small investment will give you
12 discs of listings.
Why not take advantage of our special
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Have you missed any issues of Acorn
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User has Deen publishing the essential
guide to Acorn computing for five years.
Think what you might have missed! Take
this opportunity to make up your
collection. Remember that all pre-1987
discs and cassettes are still at the sale
price of £3.95 and £2.95. Most issues
are still available but stocks are getting
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contents write to: Seran Haddick,
Redwood Publishing Ltd, 20-26
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as good as new
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
97
OFFERS
SOFTWARE & GRAPHICS
Great graphics
utilities
The 40-track 5.25-inch Graphics Utilities disc, keenly priced at
£7.95, features 16 stand-alone machine code utilities, an
advanced teletext editor, several useful Basic procedures, an
easy-to-adapt disc header and index. Included are: ‘ROTATE,
rotates area through 180 degrees; ‘SWAPCOL, swaps two
colours; ‘COLFILL, a colour fill routine; ‘SVPIC, saves a
compacted picture; ‘LDPIC, reloads a compacted picture.
There are many utilities to manipulate graphics.
The best of ’87
compilation disc
All your favourite programs from 1987 on one disc, including
Kiddie Art; Tapestry; PCB by CAD; music programs, Theme
and Autumn; Joe Telford’s GEM-like front-end for the Master;
a proportional screen dump; a View printer driver generator
and a routine for printing spreadsheets sideways. The second
half of the disc is devoted to graphics, with a video image
enhancer and six Graphics Bonuses. The 80-track disc, with
comprehensive manuals, is only £6.95.
Micro masterpieces on
Portfolio for £9. 95
Jonathan Inglis, freelance illustrator, has
assembled a Portfolio of his best work
exclusively for Acorn User.
The disc contains screens that have been
used by national and regional publications.
Included are Seurat’s Bathers, a Time Out
cover from August 1 985, and two familiar
Acorn User covers, Willow (Nov '86) and
Magician (Jan ’86) , as well as several
pictures commissioned by The Times.
Three of Jonathan’s favourite
masterpieces are on the disc; Seurat’s
Riverside, Vermeer’s Lady at the Virginal
and a copy of a famous lithograph by
Matisse. Sade fans will probably be more
interested in the two stunning portraits of
the singer included on the disc.
You can create your own piece de
resistance using the Pixel Editor and Super
Painter programs. Pixel Editor allows you to
draw in and alter minute detail, while Super
Painter enables you to draw lines, texture
your screen and shade by mixing the eight
standard colours.
Portfolio comes in 80-track 5.25-inch
format with a comprehensive instruction
sheet telling you about the pictu res and how
the artist created them . This disc can be
yours for only £9.95.
TO ORDER USE THE FORM ON PAGE 102
98
ACORN USKK AUGUS T 1988
OFFERS
USERDUMP ROM
EMI The UserDump ROM will allow
OMNI you to dump any screen image
in any display mode by entering a single
command - either as a line of your
program or by typing it directly from the
keyboard. A perfect dump can also be
obtained while a machine code program
is running.
UserDump can dump a graphics
window, make a distortion-free dump of
mode 0 screens using plotter graphics,
translate a teletext screen into mode 1 ,
and shift any area of memory.
UserDump will work with any Epson-
compatible printer which has single-
density and double-density bit-image
graphics including the Star Gemini, Delta,
SG, SD and SR, Canon and Kaga NLQ.
Details of further commands and
printer compatibility are available from
Seran at Redwood Publishing Ltd, 20-
26 Brunswick Place, London N1 6DJ.
Trouble-free screen dumps for £19.95
with UserDump
VIE W CHAR T DISC
M.5'
Jan Feb Har
81 / 82 # 83 / 84 , 85 / 86
■ Vie wChart features a suite of
programs which can be used to
produce high-resolution graphics in pie
chart, bar chart or line graph form. Data
can be entered manually, or read from
ViewSheet, ViewStore or View files.
Present figures
with ViewChart
The charts can be labelled and shaded
to give a really professional appearance.
Epson-compatible screen dumps are
included, one of which will produce a
print-out to the full width of an A4 sheet.
Screen dumps for other printers can be
painlessly installed.
The software is provided on a 5.25-
inch 40-track disc (with 80-track
converter). And the price of this
professional package? Just £12.95.
CALLIGRAPHY DISC
Now you can produce
HU professional tickets,
letterheads and posters with the
Calligraphy disc.
Desalet is a font creator which
produces customised letters to your
personal design and saves you using
repetitive data statements and error- prone
calculations. All font sets can be up to 94
characters long.
Modical allows the use of disc-based
font sets created with Desalet. Modical
incorporates a modified file creation
program, which allows files to be printed
out immediately or saved for later.
An enhanced font ROM, in the form of
a sideways RAM image, allows you to
design your own fonts for use on-screen.
Any output to the printer will be in the
new font - thus giving true Wysiwyg.
This superb disc comes on 40/80-track
5.25-inch disc and is only £9.95.
Design your own fonts
with Calligraphy
ORDER WITH THE FORM O N PAGE 102
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
99
This could be your last chance to buy this high quality 1 36 column
Sakata wide-carriage printer for an inclusive price of £259, saving
over £100 on the recommended retail price. The government have
put a duty of 35 per cent on all printers and prices will be rising to
accomodate it.
The Sakata 5500 printer is Epson FX-compatible. It offers
the following features: pica, elite and NLQ fonts plus a
downloadable character set; a 3k printer buffer; friction and
tractor feed for paper up to 16 inches wide; graphics modes
compatible with Acorn User's UserDump ; super and sub-
scripts; bold and italics.
The printer is both fast and quiet. It will print at a rate of
180 cps (draft mode) or 40 cps (NLQ mode) with a noise level
of less than 55 decibels.
Each printer comes with a free 1 .5 metre BBC printer cable
and plug. Replacement ribbons are easily obtainable.
The printer comes with a 12-month guarantee and a
supplement for the BBC micro.
Please send me Sakata 5500 printers at £259.
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100
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
REVIEWS
THE^AME^PAGE
ADDICTED
What makes you want to rush out and buy a new game? As well as checking out the new
releases, Sam Greenhill suggests some compelling reasons
As August is a quiet time, I’m going to ask
the crucial question to which I’m sure all
games companies would like the answer -
what makes a good game?
But first a quick peek at the latest news.
Audiogenic has two new games lined up.
Shark , which was mentioned last month, is
going through its final test and sounds
quite good. There are three scenarios to get
to grips with. In the jungle you swing from
vines and leap over rivers like Tarzan. In
the factory (what factory ?) you must crawl
along pipes, girders and such, and then you
have to weave among buildings in the big
city. But for what purpose? Well, it’s
obvious - to escape the aliens who have
invaded the planet.
Audiogenic’s second game is very much
in the same vein as Pengo. Pengo involved
a cute little penguin whose task was to
destroy the ‘monsters’ by sliding ice cubes
about and squashing them. The action took
place in a freezer room, and was a varied
but addictive ‘kill everything* game. Au-
diogenic’s version is called Breakthrough ,
and relies more on strategy than the origin-
al Pengo. Through the hundred rooms you
must collect keys and other objects, but
don’t dawdle - you only have 99 seconds
to complete each level!
Icarus is currently my favourite game,
and is a marvellous debut for new games
house Mandarin Software. Mandarin
doesn’t write the games itself, but it mar-
kets programs put together by other teams.
Icarus comes from the authors of the old
Bug-Byte game Dunjunz . Its main attrac-
tion is the facility for two people to play
together and help each other out. You
progress through 20 levels collecting the
pass cards and shooting the lifts. It is
another reincarnation, this time of the
popular Gauntlet , and is highly addictive.
Mandarin has also teamed up with Level
9 to release a trilogy of adventures. Price of
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
Mushrooms: first screen designer for the Beeb
Magik , Lords of Time, and Red Moon are
all old news, but they have been enhanced
with extra text and more pictures added.
And now on to that crucial question -
what makes a good game?
A game can be successful for a galaxy of
different reasons, but l think the most
important is addiction. It is unlikely to
succeed unless it can persuade you to ‘have
another go’. A good example of this is
Mirrorsoft’s Tetris - although the graphics
aren’t up to much, the game simply keeps
you up all night. There are four other
categories that games arc often rated on
(except perhaps text adventures) - graphics,
sound, originality and versatility.
Graphics are intriguing, and an obvious
example where this has helped a game is
Stryker's Run. I don’t think the game itself
is all that addictive, but the superb pictures
make everyone want a go - particularly
with the enhanced graphics of the Master
version. Conversely, sound doesn’t appear
to have much effect on a game’s rating
unless it is either very bad or very good,
which is why most games don’t concen-
trate too much on it.
The same goes for originality. As long as
it’s addictive, most players don’t really
seem to mind if it is a spruced up copy of
another game - provided that they don’t
have the other game. If a game is successful
it isn’t difficult to predict a sequel, and
people will usually buy this regardless of
any similarity to the first game.
Depth is an important factor for a good
game, and of course Elite is awarded first
prize for its ‘infinite’ appeal, larch is by no
means as ‘deep’ as Elite . It has an ‘instant’
appeal drawn from its fantastic graphics,
and that doesn’t fade. But the game doesn’t
develop, or ‘open up’ as you play it.
However other games have the potential
for enormous versatility by incorporating
screen designers. Screen designers really
make a game endless. Xor is a great exam-
ple of this. Superior’s recent hoard of
arcade-adventures such as Palace of Magic
were good while they lasted but once
completed there is really no point in play-
ing any more. Yet I still play Magic
Mushrooms from Acornsoft, and I enjoy
Rep ton 3, because they each have screen
designers and therefore a large potential.
Grand Prix Construction Set from Superior
has a screen designer too, although is
limited in that there are only a small
number of scenes possible. You cither have
a straight, a curve, a bridge or a chicane.
With Repton or Magic Mushrooms you can
have a combination of all the icons to
produce a different effect each time.
I’ve run out of space for now, but take a
look at this month’s Warlord adventure
game while you wait for the next Games
Page. Don’t forget to send in any cheats or
high scores! I would also like to hear your
views on what makes a good game. Even
some ideas for plots would be welcome,
especially ones that make good use of the
Arc. Send any suggestions to me at The
Games Page, Acorn User , Redwood Pub-
lishing, 20-26 Brunswick Place, London
Nl 6DJ. Together we’ll get some more
good games on the market!
103
Computaccount (UK) Ltd
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Tel 021 427 9898
We are major suppliers to the
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Tl
Please telephone for our free extensive catalogue and price list. Hundreds of products listed at excellent prices.
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Archimedes 440
^^^^Ou^048k^AM^VMb^tejTarcU1is^
New prices for archimedes box
Base
♦Mono
♦Colour
model
monitor
monitor
£699
£759
£919
£835
£895
£1,055
£895
£955
£1,115
£2,529
£2,589
£2,749
ACORN
NEW MASTER COMPACT
series.
Standard system is 128K. single 3.5 inch
drive, bundled software.
Compact entry system
£349.00
Compact TV system
£359.00
Compact with mono monitor
£389.00
Compact with colour monitor
£529.00
RS 232 interface for compact
£26.00
Extra 3 5m drive for compact
£99.00
PAL TV adaptor for compact
£26.00
Master 120
£379.00
Master econet module
£43.47
Turbo upgrade
£108.00
64K upgrade kit
£34.74
Master 512K upgrade
£199.00
10 Mbyte Hard disc with fileserver
£1086.95
30 Mbyte Hard disc with fileserver
£1608.95
Eprom cartridges
£11.95
Acorn DNFS kit
£82.60
1 770 upgrade kit
£43.42
ADFS ROM
£26.04
ATPL Sideways RAM 'ROM board £39.00
CONCEPT Keyboard
£124.95
View manual
£10.00
Viewsheet manual
£10.00
PRINTER
ACCESSORIES
Automatic Cut Shoet Feeders
Cut Sheet Feeders trom
£60.00
Paper Roil Holders From
£17.60
Eoson FX 80 Compatible Ribbons
£2.95
Epson 100 Ribbons
C4.50
Cannon Taxan compatible Ribbons
£3.95
Citizen printer Ribbons from
£3.95
Lasor cartridges Irom
£19.50
Full Rango ol Epson Sparos
£POA
Listing Paper (box 2000) trom
£13.16
Massive range of other ribbons lor printer end
typewriters available. Call for details.
BOOKS
A wide range of books are available
Phono for books on
AMSTRAD
MSDOS
ARM
LOTUS
DBASE
PASCAL
BBC
DESK TOP PUBLISHING etc
and many more subjects
MONITORS
Monochrome Monitors
Philips 7502 Green Screen Comp Vrdeo C79.00
PhMips 7255 Amber Screen Comp Video CS5.00
Philips 7542 While Screen Comp Vkfeo £85.00
Philips 7513 Green Screen (IBM) £89.00
Philips 77 1 3 Groen Screen ( IBM) Flat £109 00
Zenith 1 230 Green Screen Comp Video £85.00
Zonlth 1220 Amber Screen Comp Video £89 00
TaxanKX 123 Green Scroen HI Res £99.00
T axan KX Amber Screen Hi Res £99.00
Philips 8873 EGA, CGA. PGA (IBM) £549 00
MicroVitec 1431 Standard CUB 472 £199.00
MlcroVltec 1 45 1 Medium CUB 653 £225.00
MicroVitec 1 44 1 High Res CUB 895 £395.00
MicroVitec 1322 EGARes (IBM) £485.00)
MicroVitec 20H727ES Auto Scan £1395.00
Thompson 4375M Mufti EGA VGA PGA £549.00
NEC 140 IP MuttrSync EG A VGA £595.00
Hitachi Multi Scan Monitor 14' £595.00'
TaxanSV620 Supervision II £345.00
TaxanSV62S Supervision III £399.00
Taxan Supervision 20' Ultra Hi-Res £1999 00
Colour Monitors
Philips 8833 Medium Res (IBM Comp) £249.00
AMSTRAD
• New 1640 now in stock *
Amstrad 1G40
Enhanced colour display
Single 300k floppy drive £799.00
Twin 3G0k floppy drives £899.00
Single 3G0k floppy drive • 20Mbyte hard
disc drive £1199.00
(Amstrad 15 12 _
Colour twin floppies £649.00
20mB Hard Drive £260.00
PCW8256 £299.00
PCW 8512 £399.00
PCW 9512 with daisywheel £499.00
Amstrad 3.5" discs box of 10 £30.00
SOFTWARE:
Call for full list of IBM/Compatible and
Amstrad software
DISC DRIVES
Opus 5802 Single Drive excpsu £109.00
Opus 5802D Dual Dnvo me psu £259.00
Paco PS03 Single Dnve excpsu £125.00
Paco PSD3P Single Dnvo me psu £148.00
Pace POD3 Dual Drive excpsu £239.00
Pace PDD3P Dual Dnve me psu £289.00
Cumana CSX400 Smglo Drive ox psu £ 1 25.00
CumanaCD800 Dual Drive inc psu £269.00
Cumana CCD2000 Dual 5.25 + 3.5 t psu £289.00
PRINTERS
|* Dot Matrix Printers
1
Otuen 120-0 120cps ♦ NLO • 4K
£179.00
Omen LSP 1001 50 cps . NLO ♦ 4K
£229.00 I
Omen MSP40 240 cps t NLO ♦ 8K
£385 00 1
Omen MSP45 as MSP40 with 132 col
£485.00
1 Citizen MSP50 300 cps ♦ NLO * 8K
£485.00 !
Citizen MSP55 as MSP50 with 132 col
£649.00
Citizen HQP40 24 pm ♦ 200cps » 24K
C459.00
Citizen HOP45 as HQP40 with 1 32 col
£599.00
Epson LX800 150 cps ^ NLQ -*• tr Trie
£205.00
Epson FX800 200 cps ♦ NLO • tr/trtc
£345.00
Epson FX 1 000 as F X 800 wilh 1 32 col
£440.00
Epson EX8O0 300 cps • col option
£471.00
Epson EX1000asEX800 with 132 col
£633.00
Epson LQ500 1 50 cps 24 pm ♦ parking
£327.00
Epson LQ8S0 1 80 cps 24pm dual I face
£499.20
Epson IQ 1 050 as L0850 wrth 1 32 col
£699.00
E pson LQ2S00 top ol the rango
£899.00
Eoson SQ2500 24 nozzle mk-iet
£1149.95
Brother M tl 09 1 00 cps dual i tace
£211.50
Brother M 1 209 1 40 cps dual i taco
£238.50
Brother M 1409 180 cps t lOcddual
£382.50
Brother M 1 509 1 80 cps 1 36 col dual
£445.50
j Brother Ml 709 200 cps 136 col LO IBM
£525.00
| Brother 2024 L 24 pm 1 GO cps LO IBM
C699.00
Brother M 251 8 360 cps 136colLQspp
£899.00
Brother M 40 1 8 1 6 pin 480 cps dual
£1299.00
Brother M 1 724 24 pm 1 80 cps LQ
£599.00
Star NX 1 5 1 20 cps 1 36 col NLO
£349.00
Star SD 1 0 1 60 cps 80 col NLO
£349.00
Star ND 1 5 1 80 cps 1 38 col NLO
£440 00
Star SR 1 0 200 cps 80 col NLO
£440.00
Star NR15240 cps 136 col NLO
£52995
Star NB 15 300 cps 136col24pm LQ
£764.00
Star NB24 1 5 21 6 cps 1 36 cps 24 pin
£68300
Star N0 1 0 1 80 cps 80 col NLO
£309 00 1
Star NR1 0 240 cps 80 col NLO
£399.50
Star LC 1 0 1 20 cps paper park BO col
£206 00
Amstrad DMP 3 1 60 1 60 cps 80 col NLO
£199.00|
Amstrad DMP 4000 200 cps 1 36 col NLO
£299 001
Amstrad LQ3500 24 pm LQ 80 col
£299.00
Panasonic KXP 1081 120 cps 80 col NLO
£189 00
Panasonic KXP 1 1082 160 cps 80 col NLO
£209.00
Panasonic KXP 1083 240 cps 80 col NLO
£345.00
Panasonic KXP 1592 160cps 132 col
£449.00
Panasonic KXP 1 595 240 cps 1 32 col
£549.00
Daisy Wheel Printors
Citizen Premier 35 cps
£599.00
Brother HR20 22 cps Duall laco
£440.00
1 Brother HR40 40 cps me Sh Feodor
£995.00
* Brother Twmwntor Matrix D 'Wheel
£899.95 1
. PanasonicKXP3131 17cpsl20tol
£295.00-
Juki 6000 12 cps 80 col
£179.00
Juki 6 1 00 20 cps 1 32 col
£349.00
Juki 6200 30 cps 132 col
£529.00,
Juki 6300 40 cps 1 32 COl
£725.00
Juki 6500 60 cps 1 32 col dual 1 taco
£879 00
Laser Printers
. Citizen Overture 1 1 0 Plus Dual I face
£1436.00
1 Epson GQ-3500 6 ppm me HP emulation
£1450 00
Brothor HLB 8 ppm multi emulation
£1695 00
NEC LC 81 5 8 ppm Dual Interlace'
£1995 00
Star LP88ppm iMBIncmaintonnnco lyr
£1995.00
OPUS PC’S
PC3 SF Mono 256K £549.00
PC3 TF Mono 768K £775.00
PC3 HD Mono 1024K £1,045.00
PC5 (AT) HD Mono 1024K £1,345.00
EGA System available please ado £300.00
For MSDOS/GWBASIC add £60.00
Wide range of computer
books now in stock for:
BBC ARCHIMEDES
MSDOS ARM AMSTRAD
BBC ROM
SOFTWARE
InterWord
£4&00
Intersheet ..
£48.00
Interchart
£28.50
Interbase ..
£59.00
Acorn
View 2.1
£45.00
View 3.0
£63.00
ViewPlot (Disc)
£25.75
VtewSpell
£33.50
Viewsheet
£45.00
Viewstore
£45.00
GXR (please state whether for B or B^)
£23.00
ISO Pascal
£52.00
BCPL
£39.00
£46.00
£52.00
ADFS
£26.04
Computer Concepts
Wordwise Plus
£40.00
Prmtmaster
£25.00
Accelerator
£40.00
Speech ROM
£27.50
Spellmaster
£46.00
Beebugsott
Toolkit Plus
£33.00
Wordease
£25.00
ICON master .
£29.00
ROMIT
£29.00
Help II ROM
£27.00
Sleuth ROM
£27.00
Exmon II. .
£28.00
Spellcheck III
£32.00
MUROM
£24.00
Pace
Commstar
£29.57
AMX
Please state whether for BBC or Master
AMX mouse with Super Art ROME7&00
Stop Press
Paintpot
£13.00
Desk
£21.70
Super Art ROM
£43.43
Database
£21.70
3D Zicon
£21.70
Utilities
£13.00
ARCHIMEDES SOFTWARE
System Delta Plus Database £69.95
System Gamma Plus Graphics £69.95
System Delta Account (per module) £64.95
School Administrator - £79.95
Video Rental £69.95
Newsagent £69.95
Clares Alpha Base £49.95
Clares Image Writer £29.95
Archimedes Took-kit Module £39.95
SPECIAL
SOFTWARE
Torch Turbo Library
functions find procedures for Turbo
Pascal to access the power ol
Torch/BBC facilities
Newnet
Powerful friendly Torchnet management
software with password protection etc.
dBase special
dBase helper program now available for
those who want to access the powerful
facilities in dBase, without having to
learn how to program in dBase
HOW TO ORDER
Payment by cheque to:
J COMPUTACCOUNT (UK) LTD
, Carriage: Items less than
1 £50:£2.50. £50-100:£4.50
I Carriage and insurance on
I items more than £100:£9.50
| Please add VAT at 15% to Total,
| including Carriage
I Send to Computaccount (UK) Ltd., 1 1 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NT
or telephone 021 427 9898
104
NAME
ADDRESS
Quantity
Item
Price
£
£
£
£
£
£
TOTAL £
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
REVIEWS
GAMES
DON’T LOSE
YOUR HEAD
Barbarian; Superior Software; BBC/
Electron tape £9.95, BBC disc £11.95.
In Barbarian you play the part of the
ultimate warrior, whose task it is to save
the princess from the evil sorcerer and his
henchmen. The game is in a style similar to
that of other head-to-head combat games,
such as karate and boxing. But this time
the weapons are swords.
You may fight either the computer, a
friend or a passive opponent for practice. I
found the last to be most useful, it being
the only mode in which I could win when
I first played the game.
Also included is a demo mode, in which
two computer-controlled men fight against
one another.
The only moving objects in the whole
game are the two fighters and a little
character who walks across the screen and
drags off the body of the fallen warrior at
the end of the fight.
The warrior sprites are quite large — and
they need to be, since there is no form of
vertical movement in the game. The men
are animated well, there are no nasty black
blocks around the edges of the sprites, and
there is no flicker.
In contrast the clean-up minion at the
end of the game flickers a little: l get the
impression this was the last thing to be
added to the program.
Control is either by joystick or
keyboard. You soon sec the need for a
practice option when you realise that to
produce some movements requires a
finger-tingling combination of three keys
at once.
But once the keys are mastered, you may
stand a chance against the computer oppo-
nents. After a few attempts I found that
these sometimes lose their heads, especially
after the flying neck chop.
Playing Barbarian is very enjoyable, and
sometimes frustrating. It’s the animation
that makes this game stand out from some
of the other combat games. Watching the
demo mode reminded me of a Kung Fu
film I saw recently, except in Barbarian the
acting- is better.
Gavin Gillings
STRANDED
IN SPACE
Stranded; Heyley Software (24 Ley Hey
Road, Marple, Stockport SK65 6PQ);
BBC B disc £9.95, Archimedes £12.95.
A little-known company called Heyley
Software appears to have won the race to
release the first adventure for the Arc. It is,
however, an extended version of a game
already available for the original BBC from
the same company.
You start off trapped in a cell aboard a
starfreighter. An ugly guard keeps a close
watch, but if you let time take its course,
freedom becomes a distinct possibility.
Having eluded the guard, you must then
find a way to land the ship and escape.
Adventures that employ a futuristic
background often get bogged down in
technical jargon. Fortunately Stranded
doesn’t, and it’s generally very tongue-in-
cheek. There are even a few surprise guests
along the way with appearances from
Tommy Cannon (Cannon and Ball) and
Marillion lead singer Fish.
Technically, the game is OK, but the
disc is accessed frequently. I would have
thought that, given the Arc’s large memory
capacity, most of the adventure could be
loaded in at one go. There is, though, a
kind of RAM disc facility available to store
your current position. Games can also be
saved to disc if a more permanent record is
required.
Although all commands can be typed in,
the save facility and other useful com-
mands can be accessed via the mouse. The
icons at the top of the screen relate to short
or verbose text descriptions, storage of the
current position, and useful commands
such as INVENTORY and SCORE. The
game is enjoyable and amusing to play -
and I haven’t managed to finish it yet.
Rob Miller
KEEP OUT
- OF THE SUN
Icarus; Mandarin Software; £9.95 (cass)
for BBC B, Master and Electron; £11.95
on disc (5.25-in or 3.5-in) for all BBC/
Acorn machines.
Icarus is the first release from new games
publishers Mandarin, although it’s pro-
grammed by Powerhouse, the team behind
Dunjunz. The scenario is in the Plan B
mould; wander around a spaceship and try
to wrest control of the central computer,
all the while shooting at the computer’s
defence droids. It’s called Icarus because
the spaceship is out of control and plung-
ing towards the sun. Only by getting to the
computer can you avert disaster.
However, the game looks nothing like
Plan B. Its main novelty is that two can
play, and it’s certainly easier with an ally.
There are 20 levels to fight your way
through, with lifts to destroy and droids to
kill. Parts of each level are protected by
force fields, which can only be turned off
by pushing buttons in a particular sequ-
ence. With two people playing, one can
crack the code while the other provides
covering fire. But if you’re playing on your
own you have to destroy all the lifts and
droids first or you’ll probably die. The
problems are nicely judged, easy to start
with but getting harder. But like most of
these sort of games, there is a certain
‘sameness’ about every level.
The movement is quite smooth, and
there’s lots of it. There’s a lot of action and
rapid firing, and it takes more than one hit
to kill each droid. But the sprites are
relatively small and the sound is
rudimentary. I found it fun to play, and
easy to get the hang of (you can pick which
keys to use), and it’s one of those rare
games that works well on the Electron too.
Overall, pretty good value.
Graham Bell
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
105
REVIEWS
WORDLY WISE
Martin Phillips tries out two wordprocessors capable
of handling languages from Greek to geometry
Sci
scientific It
internet ional
wo rdp rocesso r
memory : 3: 171FC
driver: -
file: -
Load
*Nw
Disc
Append
Insert
Iaport
Driver
The Sci menu may look plain, but the wordprocessor is simple to use
A wordprocessor can benefit almost any
teacher, both in the classroom with pupils,
and for preparing written materials. Here
presentation is the key factor, plus the
ability to save text on disc and perhaps
revamp it later. There are several good
wordprocessors for the BBC, but most of
them will only allow special characters
with great difficulty.
Now two wordprocessors have come
along with the express aim of enabling
scientific and mathematical formulae to be
entered quickly and easily. One will also
allow a whole range of accented and special
characters, making it suitable for most
European languages.
Vue Scientific from Intelligent Machines
costs £47.50 and comes as a ROM chip,
with manual and keystrip. Sci (pronounced
‘ski’, so I am informed) costs £29.90 from
Chessfield Software. It too comes as a
ROM, with a disc, manual and keystrip.
Both are designed to work on a BBC B
with a sideways RAM card, a BBC B + or*
Master. This should not prove a limitation, •
as I suspect most secondary schools will
now have at least one Master. Both these
packages have a range of facilities compar-
able with other BBC wordprocessors, as
well as their extra functions to deal with
equations and special characters.
The first thing to do with any piece of
software is look at the handbook. The Vue
manual is well laid out with 41 pages in A5
format. The print is rather too small for
my ageing eyes, though the screen shots
are useful, and the explanations are particu-
larly thoughtfully done. The Sci handbook
is a 40-page loose-leaf A4 handbook with
larger print, mercifully. Both handbooks
explain the use of the wordprocessors well,
though there are some serious omissions
from the Vue handbook - the most vital of
these being an index.
1 put the chips into a BBC Master using
a ROM cartridge, that masterpiece ot bad
design from Acorn. Neither manual gives
any help in fitting ROMs, which is a bad
point as many teachers have difficulty
knowing how to do this. Vue did weird
Sci displays special characters on screen
and wonderful things until 1 looked at the
covering letter and noticed that I should
have typed :; 'SHADO\V before loading it.
There is no mention of this in the hand-
book, and having to type this each time it
is used can become a real pain. Both
wordprocessors have a menu system from
which the main functions can be accessed.
Vue is less friendly and requires prompts in
capital letters.
The Sci menu page is a delight. It looks
rather plain and uninteresting at first, but
once you discover the way a series ol
menus unfolds from the main menu, the
wordprocessor is simple to use. From the
main menu a whole range of features can
be accessed. On many wordprocessors
these features are accessed from the func-
tion keys, with Sci the function keys are
reserved for more important things.
Editing is straightforward with both
wordprocessors, with Vue gaining a few
points by having a simpler method of
entering complex formulae, which means
they can be moved around the screen more
easily. Both packages are Wysiwyg (What
You See Is What You Get, a horrible
acronym which indicates that the screen
display shows exactly what it will look like
when it is printed out). It is fairly easy to
access the special characters with both
wordprocessors, though Sci has a help
button which displays the various charac-
ters on screen. A problem I found with
80-column mode was seeing some of the
characters clearly, not because of my fail-
ing eyesight this time, but because they
106
ACORN USIiR AUGUST 1988
REVIEWS
SOFTWARE
were superscripted or subscripted. Sci has
the perfect answer, a function key which
switches between 40-and 80-column mode.
This can also be done with Vue but it
involves pressing Break and almost re-
entering the program. Sci allows italics,
underlined or bold text to be accessed from
the function keys and displayed on the
editing screen.
Printing out proves to be fun. I tried Sci
first and with the proper printer driver my
Citizen 120D printer worked well and at
quite impressive speed. Sci has a series of
printer drivers for all the common makes
of dot-matrix and laser printers. The
manual goes into some detail on their use,
and is very helpful. Vue , on the other
hand, has just 16 lines on printing in the
handbook, and presents that tired express-
ion ‘Epson-compatibility > with the usual
assumption that it actually means some-
thing. Printing user-defined characters is
perhaps the least compatible part of any
printer standardisation, and my Citizen
proved to be an efficient paper dispenser,
throwing out pages of paper with the odd
couple of characters on each page. I gather
that few printers are truly ‘Epson-
compatible’ in this area, including the
Epsons themselves.
Eventually I borrowed a trusty Epson
FX80, which still did not work until I
remembered to alter the dip switch settings
(you’re assumed to know all about these of
course). Again there is no mention of this
procedure in the handbook, and just a
reference to it in the covering letter. The
Sci handbook doesn’t mention these dip
switch settings either.
Sci comes out the winner when loading
and saving. It has warning messages if a file
is going to be overwritten, and it allows
files to be loaded from and saved to other
wordprocessors - an essential feature these
days. Vue crashes when a Wordwise file is
loaded in.
Both wordprocessors have many more
facilities than I have space to mention here,
as they are complete wordprocessors in
their own right. However, in use Sci out-
performs Vue in most aspects. I found that
after just half an hour’s writing with Sci it
all seemed so natural I didn’t need to use
the handbook. The more I used the menu
system the more I grew to like it. Indeed I
would be quite content to use Sci instead of
rA0AEnztf<pr2 o£P-y8eci\0 V KXm>t onpcfC'tu^'iCvyQ
r A 6 A H n Z v P ft Cm' ft ♦>" S t r t\ Q i k X U v K O Tl p o' I U % tu a
{ } M ( ) □
aeyser ITALIC uvStP IT_ALJ_CUJW£R po\8
S t
if i n
H ' iT* ffiSHUX . .. v = * = ~ «< > £ £ <£» t 3 •* -i «•
V3-.fw£/. Ad 7oo
- , : ; ?o! i — " ' - ® <) ElOOa
#7.&*-*0€l 00!c?Q
riij(q) = j { *(2n) * Tr ' /l S-rr ( k ] r(k 5 k+c i ) S— (k+q)
_ 3p 3u. ± 3 f 3Ui "i
•3tU, = - -*7a- Uj— 1 + y
3^ l 3 a j 3 a j L >3h j J
Sci allows a range of special characters for maths and language work, with a 9-pin Kaga 810
rA8A2n£§#fi apy&eC n0 i kXp onpaqTU^Xxyo)
r tsSEEUZ^Q <xpy6etn9 xKXjiv^ onpoQTufrXVG)
{}()[]□
apyse? i rcrA i ? uvSep i rarA i <;uygep Po\8
'Jf l
+-*-// ±+*®8nUW =^=sao<>«»e3o« <"*T4.
Aav 6 3
. , : ;?Al I— " • (>[]()<>«»
$q:£n #%&*♦ *§@§6 ! <39
n,j(q) = Tryi s ' F(k) n (k,k+q) S' 1 f (k+q)
Extra quality and more user-defined characters with a 24-pin NEC printer
old favourites like View or Wordwise. I
would recommend it to all language, sci-
ence or mathematics teachers with little
reservation. It can be used by both teacher
and pupils alike and has all the facilities
required of a wordprocessor, with the
added ability to cope with accents, special
characters and equations.
Sci £ 29.90 , from Chessfield Software , 61
Chessfield Park , Little Chalfont , Bucking-
hamshire HP6 6RU. (Note: specify full
details of your system when ordering ). Trial
disc available for £6.
Vue Scientific, £ 47.50 , Intelligent Machines
Ltd , 66 Browning Road , Bushwood Estate ,
London Ell 3AR.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
107
CARE a
!
800 SI. ALBANS ROAD, GARSTON, WATFORD,
HERTS. WD26NL TEL: 0923672102
THE CARE MASTER ROM CARTRIDGE RANGE
DESIGNED BY CARE ELECTRONICS TO ACORNS SPECIFICATIONS HIGH
QUALITY, ROBUST CARTRIDGES THAT FIT NEATLY INTO EITHER OF THE
MASTER CARTRIDGE SLOTS. SUITABLE FOR ANY ROM inc DOUBLE
HEIGHT ROMS i.e. INTERWORD SPELLMASTER etc.
PRICE EX VAT INC VAT
CARE STANDARD MASTER CARTRIDGE <a £9.00 £1 0 35c
CARE IxZIF + IxSTDSKT CARTRIDGE (a £13.40 £1541c
CARE 2xZIF SOCKET CARTRIDGE @ £1 7.60 E20 24C
CARE QUAD (4xSOCKETS) CARTRIDGE (d £1 4.00 £1 6*1 Oc
CARE 2 x 32k SKT CARTRIDGE (a £12.00 £13 80c
MASTER ROM EXTENDER for BBC B CARTS (d £13.00 £14 95c
NEW THE NEW CARE BATTERY BACKED RANI CARTRIDGE
| 32K BATTERY RAM or PLUG IN SPELL MASTER AND HAVE A
16K BATTERY BACKED USER DICTIONARY WITH A WRITE PROTECT
SWITCH. BATTERY LIFE APPROX lOyrs. £33.00
THE CARE BBC ‘B’ LOW PROFILE ROM CARTRIDGE SYSTEM
CARE BBC LOW PROFILE ROM SYSTEM <o £1 2.00 £1 3.80c
CARE BBC ROM CARTRIDGE (a £3.00 £3.45c
CARE BBC ZIF ROM CARTRIDGE (d £8.00 £9.20c
CARE BBC ROM CART LIBRARY RACK (d £1 .60 £1 .84c
NEW VERSION CARE MASTER SMART CARTRIDGE
GRAPHIC SCREEN DUMPS (EPSON COMPATIBLE), PAUSE PROGRAMMERS.
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INTERWORD Word processor @£47.80
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MASTERCOPY DFS - ADFS ADFS - DFS Cd £1 1 .26
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i
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TELETEXT ADAPTOR & ATS ROM @£i 00.00 El 1 5.00d
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MASTER ‘AA' ROM BOARD Cd £40.00
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PSU for TELETEXT ADAPTOR @>£12.00
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BBC MASTER 6 to 1 Printer Switcher (S £71.00 £81.65d
CENTRONICS 2 to 1 (inc Lead) @ £30.00 £34.50d
CENTRONICS 4 to 1 (inc Lead) (a £70.00 £80.50d
CENTRONICS 2 to 2 *X' Switcher @ £70.00 £80.50d
CENTRONICS 4 to 1 Automatic Switcher @ £1 02.000 £1 1 7.30d
CENTRONICS 8 to 1 Automatic Switcher @£1 28.00 £1 47.00d
USER PORT 2Way & Off Position (Lead) @£33.00 £37.95d
USER PORT 6Way & Off Position (Lead) (d £72.00 £82.80d
BBC/MASTER RGB 2 to 1 Switch (d £20.20 £23.23d
BBC/MASTER RS423 to 1 Switch @£20.20 £23.23d
PHILIPS MONITORS & TV/MONITORS inc Lead
Suitable for ARCHIMEDES, MASTER & BBC computers
PHILIPS 8833 COLOUR MONITOR @ £252.00 £290.03a
PHILIPS AV7300 TV TUNER for the 8833 @ £65.00 £74.75b
PHILIPS 1010 TV/MONITOR PUSH BUTTON @ £228.00 £262.20a
PHILIPS 1210TV/MONITOR REMOTE (d £250.00 £287.50a
GOVERNMENT & EDUCATIONAL ORDERS WELCOME
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further: Autoswitchers at a price you
can afford. Select on a first come first
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user.
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lead and P+P £55.00
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lead and P+P £75.00
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to:
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II1I II
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Deluxe 120 Disc capacity
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1
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II 111 III 111 II Tel: (09603) 51020 111 I
FREEPOST YOUR ORDER TODAY -NO STAMP REQUIRED
108
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
mIh in si m li i mi ■ mu ii l it i mm ii ng in ini
REVIEWS
BETTER BY DESIGN
If you want to design your own printed circuit boards, you can’t beat the new high-quality,
low-cost package from Pineapple, says Malcolm Brown
Any worthwhile item of electronics is
produced on a printed circuit board. PCBs
make the assembly of electronics relatively
easy, cheap and more reliable. The fun-
damentals of PCB design aren’t hard to
grasp; you have just so many circuit com-
ponents on the board which have to be
connected together correctly.
When the design has been sketched out,
a mask must be done. Single PCBs are
made by exposing a copper-coated board
to ultra-violet light, through a mask with
the desired pattern marked on it - rather
like exposing a piece of photographic paper
through a negative in an enlarger. After
‘developing’ and etching the board, just the
tracks in copper remain.
The mask (or masks for double-sided
boards) can be made by hand by a tedious
process using reels of black tape and rub-
on transfers, but it’s difficult to make the
whole thing look neat. Of course compu-
ters and CAD systems have been used, but
only recently has a system that could be
called professional become available for the
BBC micro. Pineapple Software’s package
provides all you need to produce PCB
masks easily.
The software, called simply PCB , is
basically a specialised drawing package. It
comes on a ROM chip with a couple of
example board designs on disc and a 35-
page manual.
All the design work is done on a mode 1
screen, and four colours are used to dis-
tinguish between various ‘layers’ of the
board. Apart from the background, one
colour (red) is used for tracks on the top of
the board, a second colour (cyan) for the
tracks underneath and a third colour for
the ‘roundels’ - the circular pads around
the component lead holes.
A new board is first sized. Boards up to
8.0 by 5.6 inches are allowed. On a 12-inch
monitor, the image is about life size, with
graduated edges marked off in 1/1 0th inch.
Positioning of the components must
now be decided. The shapes are selected
with function keys and positioned using
the arrow keys. Four basic component
shapes are provided - roundels, two lead
components, chips and text. The two lead
elements, for resistors, capacitors, coils or
any other passive component, come in
vertical and horizontal orientations and
once on the board can be expanded in
length to suit the actual component. Simi-
larly the chip symbols can be increased in
number of pins.
The roundels come in three sizes and the
Shift-cursor keys expand a single roundel
to a line or block suitable for connectors.
All component roundels appear on both
sides of the board so don’t have to be
matched up separately.
All components arc placed so their
roundels are exactly on a l/10th-inch grid.
This is as accurate as required. Once posi-
tioned, a component can be easily moved
or deleted. A simple line drawing routine is
also included ^at this stage for altering the
edge of the board and drawing unusual
component outlines. Any area can be
copied elsewhere on the screen, deleted or
saved to disc for use in another board.
Once the positions are settled, track-
routing begins. This saves the component
layout and strips the design to the roundels
which must be joined with copper tracks.
In the track-routing stage, three widths
of track are provided (0.025, 0.05 and 0.075
inch). Selecting one of these enables tracks
to be drawn in the relevant colour, follow-
ing the movement of the cross cursor.
Tracks can be deleted with the cursor in
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
109
•» *{ i>? •** ■ i ' M ‘ v ^.i-V ' >: *
C & F ASSOCIATES
Quality Service at
Competitive Prices
■i r- * « > V* #> •*' ,*• . ••
IMAGINE
Arkanoid
Pedro
INCENTIVE
Graphic Adventure Creator
Ket Trilogy
LARSOFT
Puppet Man
Nine Dancers
Wychwood
Rising of Salandra
Hex
' ■ »; » >Vi • ' -■£ •>
ADDICTIVE
Football Manager
ALTERNATIVE
All Titles
ASL
Impact
Ransack
Despatch Rider
Ziggy
BEAU JOLLY
Computer Hits 4
5 Star Games 3
CASS DISC COMP
2.99 - -
1.99 - -
7.95 11.95 -
7.75 10.95 -
7.20 9.95 -
7.20 9.95 -
7.95 - -
7.95 - -
7.20 -
1.99 -
19.95 22.95
7.75 10.95
3.95 -
3.95 -
3.95 -
4.95 -
3.95 -
CDS
LEISURE GENIUS
Colossus Chess 4
7.75
12.95
_
Scrabble
10.95
12.95 -
DATABASE
Monopoly
10.95
12.95 -
Mini Office 2
12.45
14.95
19.50
MANDARIN
Mini Office 2 (MASTER 80T)
-
17.50
-
Icarus
7.95
10.95 -
French On The Run
7.75
-
-
TimeandMagic(80T)
-
12.95 -
DESIGN PEOPLE
9.95
MIRR0RS0FT
Sink The Bismark
-
-
Strike Force Harrier
3.95
_ _
Tanks!
-
10.95
-
Spitfire 40
7.75
10.95 -
Battle of Britain
7.75
10.95
-
Midway
-
11.95
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M0SIAC
D0MARK
Yes Prime Minister
12.95
17.50 -
Star Wars
7.75
11.95
-
R0BIC0
DR. SOFT
The Hunt
7.95
10.95 -
Phantom Combat
2.99
4.99
-
Rick Hanson Trilogy
-
19.95 -
G0DAX
Village of Lost souls
7.95
10.95 -
Kourtyard
7.95
10.95
Beeline
2.95
4.95
Skirmish
7.95
10.95
: -Oy* *
IV- 1 S|
li- -J ■■ ,,
‘V
v. -
SUPERIOR
Acornsoft Hits 2
7.75
10.95
12.95 |
Barbarian
7.95
10.95
12.95
Elite
10.95
12.95
17.50
Spycat
7.95
10.95
12.95
Revs
10.95
12.95
17.50
Quest
7.95
10.95
12.95
TYNESOFT
Repton Thru Time
5.95
6.95
7.75
Saigon
7.95
12.95
Play It Again Sam 2
7.75
10.95
12.95
Indoor Sports
7.95
11.95
Play It Again Sam
7.75
10.95
12.95
Boulder Dash
7.95
11.95
Spellbinder
7.75
10.95
12.95
Winter Olympiad 88
7.75
12.95
_
Elixir
7.75
10.95
12.95
Spy Vs, Spy
7.75
12.95
_
Bone Cruncher
7.75
10.95
12.95
The Big K0
6.75
_
Life of Repton
5.95
6.95
7.75
SPECIAL OFFERS
Palace of Magic
7.75
10.95
12.95
ROBICO DISCS ON SPECIAL OFFER ARE
Crazy Rider
7.75
10.95
12.95
40T0NLY
Around the World 40
Rick Hanson
2.95
5.95
-
Screens
5.95
6.95
7.75
Project Thesius
2.95
5.95
- ,
Superior Collection 1
7.75
10.95
12.95
Myorem
-
5.95
-
Superior Collection 2
7.75
10.95
12.95
Enthar 7
-
8.95
-
Grand Prix Construction
7.75
10.95
12.95
Island ofXaan
2.95
-
-
Speech
7.50
10.95
12.50
Banjax
1.99
-
-
Acornsoft Hits 1
7.75
10.95
12.95
Ric Hanson Trilogy
10.95
-
-
ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT AND
POSTAGE & PACKING
(Overseas Orders add Cl. OO per order or Airmail £2.00 per Item)
Cheques/PO payable to:
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and send to
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Telephone: Exeter (0392) 41 341 8
Orders normally despatched within 24 hours of receipt but allow maximum of 7 days
For our comprehensive range of BBC and Electron Programmes please send for list
This is the story of Gerald the Game
Gerald the Game sat in his cassette box. He was fed up. No-one played him any
more. He would just lie there in his owner’s desk, unused and unloved. He was
jealous of the disk games in the drawer above who were always being played. He’d
wondered why it was that his owner bought him in the first place, if he was only
to be used a few times. But Gerald, being quite intelligent, was beginning to realise
why. It was because he was stuck on cassette. Tapes were slow and cumbersome and
he took too long to load into the computer, so he was hardly ever used!
♦o** That night something amazing happened... He was free from the cassette and
its box and was running and spinning around so fast that he could not believe
it! He was being played far more than ever before... Gerald awoke in a fren-
zy. It was only a dream, he said to himself. "No it wasn’t", said a nearby voice.
"Your dreams will come true, Gerald". Gerald immediately realised who it was
- his Fairy Game-Mother. "When? When will they come true?"....
"Tomorrow", she replied, and disappeared.
The drawer opened... Gerald was picked up and put into the tape player, and slowly
he began the long process of loading. Would this be the last time?.... Eventually he
was in and running. But suddenly something stopped him in mid play - he was
frozen! Then he felt himself spinning, faster and faster .... He was now on a floppy
disk! Loading him in now took just a few seconds. He had a new lease of life... But
how had this happened? The answer was simple... his owner had bought a REPLAY....
Access/ Visa accepted on 0304 812276. Please state machine and DFS when ordering.
i" Please send me more details of REPLAY
| Name:
| Address:
Postcode:
Send to: Vine Micros Ltd, Marshborough,
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REPLAY, the Ultimate in
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TAPE TO DISK - MID-GAME PAUSE AND SAVE
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
REVIEWS
the same way, but roundels can get ‘dam-
aged*. This doesn’t affect the final print-
out, but a ‘repair’ facility is provided to
redraw them. Roundels can be added at
this stage without going back to the com-
ponent layout screen. Text can be added
for either side of the board, in two sizes
and four orientations.
Because the track design is stored as a
simple screen RAM image, even a simple
board takes up a lot of disc memory, but it
also puts no limit on the number or
complexity of tracks.
Auto-routing
Pineapple also offers an auto-routing add-
on for PCB. This automatically draws in
most of the circuit tracks for you. Like the
main program, this too is in ROM.
Although an extra, PCB was designed with
auto-routing in mind and it fits in perfectly.
All the connections to be made are
entered on the roundel-covered board.
Prom each roundel the cursor is used to
rubber band a line directly to where that
pad is to be connected.
It is not easy to make all the connections
correctly with a complex circuit. It must be
worked through methodically to keep
errors to a minimum. Some auto-routing
systems produce a list of connections, with
pre-defined labels for each pad, as a check.
This one doesn’t, so it is easy to miss a
couple of connections. However, with prac-
tice fewer errors appear.
Each connection can be biased with a
preference for positioning on or underneath
the board or with equal weight to either.
They can also be biased with a direction to
start off the autorouting algorithms in the
correct direction. Connections are edited by
moving to an end point and pressing a
function key to isolate one. This can then be
deleted or the next connection selected.
Once all connections are entered, press-
ing a function key starts the actual auto-
routing. There is a choice of whether tracks
can go between adjacent pins on chips, and
whether the connections list is ‘sorted’ to
bias east-west or north-south tracks.
The auto-routing process takes quite
some time and draws as it calculates the
tracks. Those it cannot manage it reports at
the end, and if the routing is accepted these
omissions can either be drawn in by hand,
or rejected and the connections list rejigged
for a better result. The auto-routing works
in the same order as connections are en-
tered, until all have been tried. Thus the
initial order of the connections is important.
The ROM has its limitations. There is a
limit of 190 connections, although a com-
plex board could, in theory, be done in two
sittings. And for each connection the pro-
gram will not search a route outside a
rectangle eight times the rectangle with the
two connected points at its opposite cor-
ners. There is also a maximum rectangle of
investigation of 3 1 36 pixels - equivalent to a
3.7in X 3.7in square. Finally, the auto-route
ROM always produces the same width of
track (0.25in) with the same minimum
spacing. However, thicker connections can
always be added later, manually. Despite
these constraints, PCB Auto-route is re-
markable. No similar software comes near
the price. Once designed, the PCB can be
printed out. It is here that Pineapple’s
package beats all other low-cost PCB design
software. Each part of the board can be
printed - either of the two track masks or
the component layout - either double-size
or same-size, and in positive or negative
form. The print-out routine is designed for
any Epson-compatible printer with a quad
density graphics mode. Other printers can
be catered for by setting up the program
with "'commands. Plus there’s an extra set
oi plotter drivers available.
The print-out is of a higher quality than
the screen display. Close tracks which
cannot be differentiated on the screen are
clearly separated and the track corners and
roundels are nicely rounded — important
for high-frequency or high-voltage boards.
The quad density print-out is dark and crisp
enough for copying onto film for prototyp-
ing. Alternatively the print-out itself can be
sprayed with a special ‘transparentising’
spray and used as the UV mask.
PCB cannot turn a BBC micro into a
professional design workstation, but it does
do all that the electronics enthusiast could
reasonably ask. With the addition of the
auto-routing software it becomes a power-
ful package which would not disgrace a
small, electronics manufacturer and is cer-
tainly a boon to any interested amateur.
Pineapple Software , 39 Brownlea Gardens ,
Seven Kings , Ilford , Essex IG3 9NL. Tel:
01-595 1476. PCB £8 5+ VAT, PCB+ Auto-
route £18 5 + VAT
ACORN US HR AUGUST 1988
111
l*HOTOC.RAPHS BY ANDRI Vt ( ANTOURIS
PRINTER REVIEW
GOING FOR
QUALITY
The falling cost of 24-pin dot-matrix printers make them
an affordable option. We test four of the latest models
Rob Miller and Graham Bell
P rinters have come a long way
since the now obsolete teletype
machines clattered away in every
computer installation. They
printed around 10 characters per
second at most. The comparison between
them and today's dot-matrix and laser
printers is on a par with comparing the
first computer with an Archimedes. Prin-
ters can now sit quietly beside your com-
puter and print out pages and pages in a
matter of minutes.
Modern printers fall into one of three
categories: daisywheel, dot-matrix and las-
er. The dot-matrix type is certainly the
most common and the most versatile of
these. An article explaining all three types
of printer was published in the February
‘88 issue of Acorn User.
The cheapest dot-matrix printers are the
9-pin machines. These work at a relatively
fast speed, often about 180 characters per
second (cps), but produce a crude print-
out. You can generally tell when text has
been printed out on 9-pins - the characters
are formed with small dots and often look
‘bitty'. Have a look at the yellow pages
section in this magazine for an example.
There are some 9-pins that have an NLQ
(near letter quality) option. The text pro-
duced looks more like that produced on a
typewriter, although it is still recognisable
as 9-pin quality. The disadvantage is that
NLQ is much slower than normal ‘draft
quality’ printing — perhaps only 30 charac-
ters per second.
The more expensive 24-pin printers use
their extra pins to give better output with-
out sacrificing speed. The pins are smaller
and spaced more closely, so the dots mak-
ing up each letter are less obvious in the
final print-out. The characters are compa-
rable to those produced with a typewriter
112
and are often referred to as letter quality -
hence the LQ in the designation of the
Epson LQ-800, the ‘standard’ 24-pin prin-
ter which we reviewed in November 1987.
A compatibility chart containing details of
the four 24-pin printers reviewed here, plus
the LQ-800 and Epson GQ-3500 laser
printer, is shown on page 45. The cost of
these machines is falling rapidly at the
moment; prices are now comparable with
the cost of an equivalent 9-pin printer two
years ago. The recommended prices are
given at the end of the article, but normal
shop prices are up to £100 lower.
The average quoted speed of the 24-pin
machines reviewed here is about 80 cps,
three time faster than a 9-pin printer in
NLQ mode. Most of them also have a
draft mode for doing rough copies, where
the speed can be anything up to 250 cps.
As well as producing better quality text,
the graphical resolution of a 24-pin printer
is considerably better. As a result, this
makes them a cheaper alternative to laser
printers for basic desktop publishing work.
If you go to the trouble of producing
oversized work and then reducing it, high-
quality graphical output can be achieved.
One oi the best features of these printers
was the paper parking; this is now fairly
standard on the latest models. It allows
single sheets of paper to be put in without
removing the continuous stationery. Two
buttons to press, and you can insert your
letterhead paper, for example, using the
friction feed. Meanwhile, the continuous
stationery is wound out the back of the
machine, but is still held on the tractor
pins. To revert to continuous stationery,
you just switch back to friction feed, lift
the paper bail, and the paper is automati-
cally wound in. All very easy.
A worry about the current crop of
Citizen HQP40: probably the best value
The typefaces used by
each of the printers
have slight differ-
ences. So we printed
out a standard letter
using the Courier font
on each of the print-
ers, using a new ribbon
and standard business
stationery. We then
asked a sample of ten
office workers which
they preferred. Each
ranked the four print-
ers differently, but
overall the preference
was strongly for the
Citizen’s output. The
Toshiba 3-in-l ranked
second, with the Pana-
sonic and NEC holding
up the rear. Two tel-
ling comments though:
no-one would be dis-
mayed at receiving a
business letter printed
on any of these print-
ers. Many people
strongly dislike the
dotty nature of 9-pin
printer output, but all
of these were accept-
able. But everyone
preferred the fifth
version of the standard
letter, which came from
an Epson GQ-3500 laser
printer. Four sample
printouts are shown in
the boxes, with 9-pin
NLQ and laser output
for comparison.
The typefaces
each of the pr
have slight di
ences. So we
The favourite print-out among office workers
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
PRINTER REVIEW
Toshiba 3-in-0ne, with optional sheet feeder
The typefaces used by
each of the printers
have slight differ-
ences. So we printed
out a standard letter
using the Courier font
on each of the print-
ers, using a new ribbon
and standard business
stationery. We then
asked a sample of ten
office workers which
they preferred. Each
ranked the four print-
ers differently, but
overall the preference
was strongly for the
Citizen’s output. The
Toshiba 3-in-l ranked
second, with the Pana-
sonic and NEC holding
up the rear. Two tel-
ling comments though:
no-one would be dis-
mayed at receiving a
business letter printed
on any of these print-
ers. Many people
strongly dislike the
dotty nature of 9-pin
printer output, but all
of these were accept-
able. But everyone
preferred the fifth
version of the standard
letter, which came from
an Epson GQ-3500 laser
printer. Four sample
printouts are shown in
the boxes, with 9-pin
NLQ and laser output
for comparison.
The typefaces
each of the pr
have slight di
ences. So we
A stylish printer for business use
ACORN USIiR AUGUST 1988
Larger and heavier: the KX-P1540 Panasonic
The typefaces used by
each of the printers
have slight differ-
ences. So we printed
out a standard letter
using the Courier font
on each of the print-
ers, using a new ribbon
and standard business
stationery. We then
asked a sample of ten
office workers which
they preferred. Each
ranked the four print-
ers differently, but
overall the preference
was strongly for the
Citizen's output. The
Toshiba 3-in-l ranked
second, with the Pana-
sonic and NEC holding
up the rear. Two tel-
ling comments though:
no-one would be dis-
mayed at receiving a
business letter printed
on any of these print-
ers. Many people
strongly dislike the
dotty nature of 9-pin
printer output, but all
of these were accept-
able. But everyone
preferred the fifth
version of the standard
letter, which came from
an Epson GQ-3500 laser
printer. Four sample
printouts are shown in
the boxes, with 9-pin
NLQ and laser output
for comparison.
The typefaces
each of the pr
have slight di
ences . So we
A reliable workhorse
Ungainly: the NEC, with optional sheet feeder
The typefaces used by
each of the printers
have slight differ-
ences. So we printed
out a standard letter
using the Courier font
on each of •'the print-
ers, using a new ribbon
and standard business
stationery. We then
asked a sample of ten
office workers which
they preferred. Each
ranked the four print-
ers differently, but
overall the preference
was strongly for the
Citizen's output. The
Toshiba 3-in-l ranked
second, with the Pana-
sonic and NEC holding
up the rear. Two tel-
ling comments though:
no-one would be dis-
mayed at receiving a
business letter printed
on any of these print-
ers. Many people
strongly dislike the
dotty nature of 9-pin
printer output, but all
of these were accept-
able. But everyone
preferred the fifth
version of the standard
letter, which came from
an Epson GQ-3500 laser
printer. Four sample
printouts are shown in
the boxes, with 9-pin
NLQ and laser output
for comparison.
The typefaces
each of the pr
have slight di
ences . So we
Not liked by the panel, but good value
i— lH
3
S-4 1
695.00
728.00
865.00
752.00
804.00
952.00
815.00
865.00
1014.00
1399.00
1449.00
1599.00
p
ARCHIMEDES
305 BASE AKB10
305 & mono monitor
305 & colour monitor
310 BASE AKB15
310 8 mono monitor
310 8 colour monitor
A310M AKB30
A3I0M mono
A3I0M colour
410 SERIES
Entry System
Mono
Colour
440 SERIES
Entry System 2299.00
Mono 2349.00
Colour 2499.00
Arr himedes/Master Econet 43.00
0 5 MB RAM 89.00
Floppy disk 125.00
20Mbyt< k&| lule 499.00
1 300 only)
Podule Backplane 35.00
Archimedes Pref Manual 29.95
Assm Lang Prog Manual 1 1.00
Archmedes software in stock
MASTER 128
Complete with internal
Software 346.00
Master •Turbo Upgrade 99.00
Master Econet Module 40.00
Master 512 Upgrade 189.00
Universal second | it 75.00
Eprom Cartridge 13.00
Reference Manual Part I 13.00
Reference Manual Part 2 13.00
BBC MASTER COM PA CT
ENTRY SYSTEM
* 128k* ‘Single 640K Drive*
•Bundled Software* 313.00
TVSYSTEM
•I28K* ‘Single 640K Drive* *UHF
Modulator* ‘Bundled Software*
326.00
MONO SYSTEM
*I28K* 'Single 640K Drive* ‘Bundled
Software* *12" High Res Monochrome
Monitor’ 358.00
COLOUR SYSTEM
*I28K* 'Single 640K Drive* ‘Bundled
Software* *14" Medium Res Colour
Monitor* 491.00
MONITORS
Phillips BM 7502
12" Hi res P3I Green Phospher Screen.
CVBS input Audio input Band width 20
MHz. 2000 CHRS Display 68.00
Phillips BM 7522
Amber Screen 82.00
Phillips BM 7542
Dedicated WD phosphor Screen monitor
82.00
Phillips BM7513
I/' Green IBM compatible 104.00
Taxan KX117
12" Green Screen P3 1 77.00
Taxan KX1 18
I/' Green Screen P39 86.00
Taxan KX119
I T PUL Amber Screen 86.00
Taxan Super Vision 620 260.00
COLOUR MONITORS
Phillips CM8833
14"CVBS and RGB medium resolution
colour monitor IBM PC compatible Fast
blankup to enable superimposing
Stereo Audio Ear phone socket 600 dots
x 285 lines vertical 234.00
Phillips CM88S2
1 4" RGB professional med res colour. 700
dots x 285 251.00
Phillips CM8873
1 4" RGB high resolution colour monitor
Res 850 x 480 478.00
MONITOR TO TV CONVERTER
AV 7300 Colour tuner module Push
button control 1 2 preset channels. Built
in aerial Compact design Composite
video only 60.00
SWIVEL BASE
1 ilt and swivel base for 1 2"or 1 4"momtor
or iv "Looks very elegant'* at art
unbeatable price 9-00
SERIAL & PARALLEL T SWITCHES
Parallel T switch |? way) 20.00
Parallel T Switch |4 wav) 25.00
MITSUBISHI DISC DRIVES
Source 100% BBC compatible slimline
disk drives All drives supplied complete
with formatting diskette,
comprehensive users manual and all
necessary cables All drives are 40/80
Track switchable at the front and have
two years warranty
S’/*" Drives without P.S.U.
400A Single 400K Double Sided 98.00
SD 802C Dual 400K Double Sided
190.00
5'/*" Drives with P.S.U.
400B Single 400K. Double Sided
1 17.00
SD 802E Dual 400K Double Sided
204.00
SD 802D Dual 400K Drives horizontally
mounted in a monitor stand to fit both
the BBC B and the Master series
230.00
Mitsubishi Bave drives uncased with
40/80 SWltCh 77.00
SOURCE DISC DRIVES
Source SD35 3 " disk drive, sinqlr • c Irive
69.00
Source SD352 3 /" dual drive 1 25.00
Supplied cased complete with cables,
powered from computer Extended two
year warranty
Source SD35S 3 " single drive with
PSU 99.00
Source 352S 3 ' "dual drive with P S U
173.00
SPECIAL OFFER
Source 35S Combo Dual 5 : rand 3'
160.00
Source SD3545S Combo dual 5 t"and
3 !/ " drives with P S U 216.00
WINCHESTER DISC DRIVES
Source HD20 Twillstar’s 20 Mbyte
winchester drive including Acorn DFS
ROM complete with PSU 433.00
Source HDP201 Twillstar's 20 Mbyte
winchester drive and a 400K double
sided floppy drive built in a plynth to
accommodate monitor on the top rind
the computer underneath Includes
ADFS ROM and P.S.U 694.00
Source TS10 10 Mbyte tape streamer
backup unit with utilities 565.00
Other size hard disks are available,
please call for our latest prices
FLOPPY DISCS
Raven SVVpdCkof 10 in a clear library
box 13.04
Raven 5'/i" rainbow colour pack of 10
13.04
Raven 3 Vi" single sided puck of 10 in
library box 12.00
Raven 3 VY' double sided pack of 1 0 in
library box 22.00
LOCKABLE STORAGE BOXES
Trackmaster 5VV' 70
7.00
Trackmaster 5VV* 100 x 5 " Fable
9.00
Trackmaster 3 Vi" 40 x 3’ " lockable
6.00
Trackmaster 3 1 /?" 100 x 3 ‘ " lockable
9.00
PRINTERS
CANON PW 1 080 A
80 column 160 cps draft 40 cp\ NLO
Built in friction & tractor feed 216.00
CANON 55 A
Wide version IBM compat 347.00
NEW JUST ARRIVED
STAR LC- 10 182.00
New enhanced version complete with
IBM 8 Parallel Interface
Sheetfeecler POA
STAR LC- 10 Colour 199.00
Ribbon 4.70
MP200
200 cps draft 40 cps NLO 7K buffer (128
downloadable characters in NLO)
optional 8K memory 255.00
MP201
As MP200 with 136 columns 299.00
MP135
135 cps. 80 column printer Friction
tractor feed. NLO Epson & IBM
Compatible 126.00
MP480
480 cps dot matrix printer 74 cps NLO.
80 column Epson 8 IBM compatible.
Std parallel 303.00
SPECIAL OFFER OF
THE MONTH
CITIZEN 1200 117.00
Dal Matrix Printer IPOcps
NLO 2 year warranty
You have to see the quality
at this price
CITIZEN LSP 100P 175.00
l20/25cps 80 column Centronics IBM
Parallel
CITIZEN LSP 100S 199.00
1 70/25cps 80 column RS232 Serial
EPSON PRINTERS
LX-800 199.00
FX-800 320.00
FX-1000 433.00
EX-800 399.00
Ex-1000 545.00
LQ-800 430.00
LQ-1000 580.00
LQ-2500 865.00
SQ-2500 1126.00
NEC PINWRITER P2200 275.00
Cut sheet feeder 59.00
Serial interface kit 55.00
Font cartridge 25.00
NEC SPINWRITER 8800
8810 RS232 885.00
8815 RS232 (Diablo) 885.00
8830 Centronics 885.00
8850 IBM PC 885.00
NEC PINWRITER P9XL
P960XL 885.00
P965XL Senal/Paraiiel 970.00
NEC SILENTWRITER LC86+/LC890
LC866+ 1870.00
LC890 2995.00
NEC PINVX/RITER P5XL
P565XL Senal/Parallel 740.00
Pin tractor 50.00
Bi-directional tractor 125.00
Single bin cut sheet feeder 240.00
Double bin cut sheet feeder 440.00
Font cartridge 40.00
RAM cartridge 30.00
NEW NEC PINWRITER P6/P7
OFFICIAL NEC UK PR ODUCTS
SPECIAL OFFER
NEC P2200 PINWRITER
275.00 + vat
The ultimate matrix printer for business
Prm speeds of 265cps in draft and 90cps
in letter quality. Inbuilt tractors A paper
park and low tear off facility Twenty
inbuilt fonts as standard A font cartridge
facility for greater flexibility An amazing
80K byte print bufer. 24 pin printhead
Centronics parallel interface Compatible
with previous NEC 24 pin printers
P6 80 characters 434.00
P7 1 36 characters 608.00
PANASONIC KX-P3 13 1
Fully Formed Serial Impact Daisywheel
Printer Print speed I7cps Diablo compatible
print wheels Print pitches available are 10.
12. 15 and proportional spacing. Standard
friction feed and optional tractor Standard
Centronic optionulRS232C Built with 6K text
buffer expandable to 32K buffer 251.00
BROTHER HR 20
Daisywheel 8K standard buffer upgradable
to I6K Standard senal/parallel port 338.00
JUKI Daisywheel
Juki 6100 286.00
MP26 Daisywheel
Universal compatibility with almost all
personal computers at an unbeatable price
Speed 26 cps 132 columns Diablo 630
compatible 216.00
Optional Tractorfeecf 82.00
Optional Sheet feeder 126.00
GAKKEN GPR-2000
Print speed of 18 characters per second Fully
Qurne compatible Takes Qurne exchangable
Daisywheel and ribbons Selectable 10. 12 &
1 5 pitch Supports proportional spacing
Standard friction feed Tractor/cut sheet feeder
and serial interface optional 1 46.00
FREE PRINTER CABLE
FREE PRINTER STAND
FREE 200 SHEETS PAPER
SHEET FEEDER £59.00
RIBBON £5.50
W* SPEND MORE . ,
1 .
1 - with a tear bar for quick, easy nti And
packing ^T^on^you insert cut sheets
the front feed functim ie^ y Qf thc prjnler
I Prlnt^aM^ ^ 1 ^ tarvM,cl < * ra * t
° 2mm
I diameter. 2x12 staggered array
NEC MONI.UIO
MULTISYNC PLUS •/;•;•*•*• V* <** V4* *,*’ 768) n " ’ :• 1
for use with ^automatically scans!
IBM PC compatible rrn 21 8 KHz to 48 KHz and]
.,11 horizontal from 50 to 90 HZ K supports
standards ; 450.OO I
MULTISYNC II •; *: V"' V resolution monitor offe'M
an the oenefics of w . n ibmXT/AT and PV|
and Vertical Hold modes 1 575.00 1
MULTISYNC XL ... ..... . '••**** * " ’ * * V * r V*so it j 1 1 00 of 1074 x 7681
A 70 inch colur monitor offering « incJ vertical l
and Iras * ,0 90
^ -'«CA^Ma„pnra : , oo [
supports MDA of five frequent .es
standards, ft autor natrc a ly ,, ,-,n the above major
graphics ^stanenvds and IMS « «
from 50 to 70 HZ n 00.00 1
M O N O G RAPH ’ ' ‘ j*£ ‘ ' "7 * n’,” no;' jra p'h ' "vs tern
Aldus Pagemaker and Xno. s|
Ventura Paqemake r —
SPECIAL OhhtiK
( SAVE 29.00 )
FREE
PRINTER
CABLE
FREE
200 SHEETS
OF PAPER
FREE
PRINTER
STAND
When you buy a
The faster and enhanced KX-f lOo
cps in draft mode. 24 cps «,
in NLO mode Fullv Epson
RX80 and IBM Matrix and /•■
Graphics Printers
compatible Standaid
friction and tractor
interface is optional —
iwulsiah]
APEX HOUSE
BLANDFORD ROAD
NORWOOD GREEN
SOUTHALL
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® 01-574 5271 or
re 01-571 5938
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■
PRINTER REVIEW
24-pin printers is reliability. All the com-
ponents are much smaller and finer than
those in 9-pin models, and the pins are
expected to move faster too. Some of the
machines, notably the Citizen and NEC
models, are very lightly constructed. It
may be that they will not prove as reliable
or long-lasting as similarly priced 9-pin
models, but only time will tell. On this
point, we’d appreciate comments from
readers with similar machines.
Most printer reviews today seem to be
just a collection of comparisons of the
specifications between the machines, plus a
few sample print-outs. For this review,
each person in the Acorn User office was
allocated a printer to use for about a month
and has reported back on how they found
it for daily use. The four printers reviewed
here represent a fair cross-section of low to
midprice 24-pin machines which are cur-
rently available.
The typefaces used by each of the prin-
ters have slight differences (see earlier
boxes). We printed out a standard letter
with the Courier font on each of the
printers, using a new ribbon and standard
Citizen
Toshiba
Panasonic
NEC
HQP-40
P321SL
KX-P1540
P2200
35.5
26.5
19.5
18.5
Figure 1 . Office poll results - points out of 50
The typefaces u
each of the pri
have slight dif
ences* So we p
Figure 2. Dotty NLQ from 9-pin printers
The typefaces u
each of the pri
have slight dif
ences . So we p
Figure 3. Preferred print-out: theTaser printer
business stationery. We then asked a sam-
ple of 10 office workers which they prefer-
red. Each ranked the four printers dif-
ferently, but overall the preference was
strongly for the Citizen's output, as
summarised in figure 1.
The Toshiba ranked second, with the
Panasonic and NEC holding up the rear.
Two telling comments, though: no-one
would be dismayed at receiving a business
CITIZEN HQP-40
The first step when using a new printer is
connecting it to your computer. The
HQP-40 comes with both parallel and
serial interfaces as standard. This means
that it can be used immediately with BBC
B, Master 128, Compact and Archimedes
computers. Electron users will have to
add the Plus 1 to their machines. The
connection sockets are located on the
right-hand side at the front.
The HQP-40 has the most accessible
dip switches I’ve ever seen in a printer. A
simple press on the front panel opens a
little door to reveal the whole set. Top
marks for this!
The tractor mechanism is situated at
the back of the printer. Paper can then be
fed from a box beneath the printer and
carried out behind (onto a shelf, say).
This means the paper is pushed into the
printer and then gripped by the carriage.
The HQP-40 also allows the tractor
mechanism to be adjusted. This lets paper
be fed directly under the carriage and
then pulled out, making it practically
impossible for paper to misfeed.
For single sheets, there is an inbuilt
feeder which automatically guides the
paper through the necessary parts. I
found this facility most useful. The auto-
feeder can be turned off by disabling the
paper sensor.
My main use for a printer is rough
work (testing listings, etc) and letters. For
letters, I normally switch from my dot-
matrix printer to a second printer, a
daisywheel. There are two reasons; first
the quality and secondly, changing over
from tractor-feed paper to single sheets
can be fiddly. Using the HQP-40 elimin-
ated both these problems. However, us-
ing the same computer to both work on
and print from can cause a bottle-neck;
you have to wait for the printer to finish
before you can continue working. The
HQP-40 overcomes this with its enor-
mous 24k buffer (about 4000 words) that
frees the computer almost immediately.
For graphics, the Citizen worked first
time with UserDump , showing it can
emulate the FX80 escape codes. It also
works perfectly with the 24-pin dumps
published in April and May’s Acorn User.
On the Arc, the LQ printer driver proved
ideal with First Word Plus.
To sum up, I found the Citizen a
delight to use.
Rob Miller
TOSHIBA P321SL
Of all the printers reviewed, the Toshiba
3-in-One P321SL was the most stylish.
The version I had carried a sheet feeder
with a single bin and I used it for a
month with a Compact.
Putting it all together was fairly simple
and then it was a matter of switching on
the sheet feeder from the printer’s front
panel. I used the printer with an FX80
printer driver taken from our office net-
work. This worked for simple bold and
underscore, with a hash sign (#) used to
get a pound (£). Trying to get fancy
effects messed things up though, showing
a lack of Epson-compatibility beyond the
absolute basics when in Toshiba mode. It
was also tested with First Word Plus on
the Arc. Here the IBM Proprinter mode
was used, with the US character set. This
mode is far more compatible, as the table
on page 45 shows. Pound signs can then
be set up with a printer driver.
Three typefaces are provided as stan-
dard, and there is a quiet option. Choice
of typeface is controlled from a
calculator-like display on the front panel.
This can be set up easily to present just
the most frequently-changed options
such as pitch, lines per inch, page length
and so on. More obscure options can be
obtained by going through a menu sys-
tem. There are no dip switches. All three
faces are attractive and readable.
The 3-in One on its own worked well.
Continuous paper loads from the back
and there’s no wasting the first sheet as
with the tractor feed. The sheet feeder
proved reliable and easy to fit, and is
turned on from the printer control panel.
The one problem to appear was that the
bold print blurred. This seemed to be
because the paper bail rollers which nor-
mally hold paper are not used when the
sheet feeder is in action, so paper can
move fractionally before the second
printing pass. This can be easily avoided
by feeding sheets in singly.
We tested out the Toshiba with the
Epson-compatible Userdump printer
ROM. The lines per inch was set to 8
with no line feed, but we still got blank
strips. This is because it is not Epson-
compatible in the way it accepts ‘ESC L’
commands to set the line spacing.
Ribbons (at £10 each) and printheads
were easy to remove and fit.
To sum up, pricey but nice.
Tony Quinn.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
115
PRINTERS RPtEHTY!
OK! MICROLINE
PRINTER
SPECIALISTS
Tho professional printers for all business
applications Print speeds up to 400 cps with
120 cps NLQ PC/Epson compatible
Call for engineering advice.
Competitive prices to match any competition.
OKI MICROLINE 393
Advanced 24 pin print head
Superb print quality with a choice of paper
handling modes. We highly rocommend this
versatile and rugged printer. Parallel and serial
interfaces are fitted Emulates Epson LQ
Codes. Plug-in font modules. The best buy at
just £1195 + VAT
OK! LASERUNE 6 Elite
Laserjot Plus compatible £1750 + VAT
The ideal daisywheel substitute having a wide
range of emulations and resident font
variations. Quiet in operation, compact and
reliablo. HP series II compatible
LOWPRICE
LASER TONER
CARTRIDGES
Canon LBP8 £74.75
Canon LBP8 Series II £74.75
CENTRONICS PP-8 £39.00
Citizen £22.95
Epson GQ3500 £18.50
HP Laserjet £74.75
HP Series II £74.75
Kyocera £28.50
OKI Laserline 6 . £18.50
Technitron TLP-12 ... . .£17.50
★ Multiple Host Connect - up to 4 ports and
6 windows.
★ Multiple emulations incl IBM b DEC.
★ 6 concurrent virtual terminals.
★ Up to 15 pages of screon memory.
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Plus PRINTER BUFFERS • INTERFACES
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LX-800
FX-800
FX-1000
LQ-850
LQ-1050
ex-800
EX-1000 •
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OTHER PRINTERS
StarNX '- c 5 Kx'-P1081 ' •
) Panasonic n* r i
Diconix 150 Portable
£210
£325
£395
£465
£625
£415
£559
£799
£12
£199
£325
£169
£375
OFFERS 5^ (
’[aserpR«n t ^ rs £l650 <
Canon LBP-8 Sedes II •••••; £27 95
Canon LBP-8 DAI • . .£1395
Centronics PP-8 £1345
Epson GQ-3500 £1995
HP Series U £2916
H P. 500 Plus . £2150
Kyocera
PLOTTERS £725
Boland DXV-880A. £535
Hitachi 672. •
daisywheels £269
Panasonic KX-P313 £350
Qume 12/20 . £199
BROTHER HR15XL
ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT fr CARRIAGE
Prices subject to change without notice
o
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MICROLINE 390 80 COL
MICROLINE 391 136 COL...
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116
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
PRINTER REVIEW
letter printed on any of these printers.
Many people dislike the dotty nature of
9-pin printer output (figure 2), but the
print-out from all the review machines was
acceptable. However, everyone preferred
the sixth version of the standard letter,
which came from an Epson GQ-3500 laser
printer, shown in figure 3.
Each of the printers can also accept extra
font cards, plugging into a slot on the side
or rear. A couple of the printers tested
offer a small selection of fonts in LQ
mode, but for those who don’t, font cards
can be purchased separately.
As with the Epson LQ range, the 24-pin
printers reviewed here (and some more
modern 9-pin models too), can have prob-
lems with some graphics software. This
arises because old Epson printers (for ex-
ample the FX80) move the paper in multi-
ples of l/72nd or 1/2 14th of an inch.
Newer printers have adopted 1 /60th and
1/1 80th as the smallest units. This has most
effect with graphics - old screen dumps
won’t work, as they leave gaps between
each line of the picture. But other software
is affected too — for example desktop
publishing software such as Stop Press and
even the May hew Telonics Sciways ROM.
However, more and more new software is
including support for 24-pin printers, so if
you do buy one, keep a lookout for this.
Overall the Panasonic proved to be a
robust printer, with easy-to-use controls.
But it offered only a basic Courier font in
letter quality, and this was generally dis-
liked by our panel. The Citizen was a
delight to use, with a large printer buffer
built in and accessible dip switches. It
emulated the Epson LQ-800 perfectly, and
its version of Courier was chosen as the
best by our panel. It probably represents
the best value for home use.
The Toshiba offers the businessman a
fine, stylish printer, with a sheet-feeder
option that makes easy work of printing
professional-looking letters. But it is quite
expensive, and it is not Epson-compatible.
Not recommended for home use.
In comparison, the NEC P2200 was
llimsily built. It was the least liked of the
models tested, and did poorly with the
panel judging the quality of the print-out.
However, it is by far the cheapest of this
selection of printers, and offers good com-
patibility so is reasonable value for money.
Panasonic KX-P 1 540, £665. Citizen FIQP-
40 , £499. NEC P2200 , £395; sheet feeder ,
£67 ( review model supplied by Twillstar
Computers). Toshiba P321SL, £545; sheet
feeder, £225.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
PANASONIC KX-P1540
Panasonic’s wide-carriage 24-pin printer
was, in most circumstances, easy to use.
It’s solidly built, and is by far the largest
and heaviest of the printers reviewed. The
ability to print up to 136 columns of
normal text is a real boon for business use
- in particular for printing out spread-
sheets. If you don’t need this, then in the
autumn, Panasonic will be producing a
new style 80-column 24-pin printer too.
Connecting the KX-P 1540 to a BBC
micro or an Archimedes is easy - parallel
and serial connections are standard.
The printer’s front panel controls are
very neat, and you can swap easily be-
tween draft and letter quality - even in
the middle of a document. One problem
with using wide-carriage printers arises
when you put in narrow 9-inch paper;
the printer can print off the edge of the
paper onto the roller. Buttons on the
front panel of the KX-P 1540 allow you
to set an absolute margin, beyond which
the printer won’t go, thus solving the
problem. Plus there’s a dip switch setting
if you’re using 9-inch paper all the time.
The printer seemed totally compatible
with the Epson LQ command set, includ-
ing its 24-pin graphics and it can emulate
the IBM Proprinter too (useful if you use
the Arc’s IBM Emulator). Certainly it
worked well with View, Interword and
First Word Plus on the Arc. The Epson-
LQ driver allowed graphics to be printed
too. But the Panasonic worked perfectly
with the three 24-pin dumps printed in
Acorn User (Top of the List in the April
and May issues). And it can emulate most
FX80 8-pin graphics too, with the picture
stretched vertically, it can’t emulate the
FXSO’s ‘proportional’ graphics mode, but
proportional graphics can be done in
24-pin mode.
The ribbon is one of the easiest I’ve
seen to replace. Good news on ribbon life
too: once it dries out, you just push a
button and it gets re-inked from a little
foam pad inside the ribbon cartridge.
An annoying feature of the tractor feed
is that paper coming out of the printer
tends to get wound in again. All printers
can do this, but the Panasonic tended to
do it more than most. You certainly need
to fit the wire rack at the back to make it
reliable. Overall a robust workhorse, but
expensive because it is a wide-carriage
model.
Graham Bell
NEC P2200
After using an Epson RX80 manually
fed printer I was looking forward to
using the automatic feeding NEC P2200.
Connecting it to my Compact was a
simple task and I was ready to begin.
It isn’t the most compact-looking prin-
ter I have ever seen; it stands high in
comparison to others. And the quality of
construction did not reach the quality of
the others. Some of the components
seemed flimsy, and wheels and levers
always felt as if they were too flexible.
The sheet feeder, which was relatively
easy to fit, makes the printer sit higher
still. There is an adjustable paper guide
fitted so that paper is not fed in crooked-
ly, but the paper must be carefully fanned
in the feeder tray so that it will be fed in
one sheet at a time.
Single sheets may also be fed in by
hand through a separate feeder behind a
neat little ‘removable’ door on the front
panel of the printer. This option ought to
be handy for printing long letters, letter-
head paper first and plain paper thereaf-
ter. But I found that paper tended to
crumple when fed in this way. The trac-
tor feed for continuous paper was reliable
and caused no problems, and the ribbon
proved simple to replace.
There is only a single font on the
printer- Courier- in letter quality, plus
there’s a quicker and quieter draft mode
for more general use. This can be selected
via the switches on the front panel,
though sometimes during the test they
were unreliable. You can also select the
character pitch. Optional font cartridges
costing £33+ VAT are available for other
type styles.
I found no difficulty using the printer
with View, or with First Word Plus on
the Archimedes. Printer drivers made up
for the Epson LQ printers worked well.
As with the other 24-pin printers tested,
the NEC wasn’t totally happy with
graphics software, often leaving gaps be-
tween lines of the picture. But it worked
perfectly with special 24-pin screen
dumps, and with all other software tested
that offered LQ support. It appeared to j
dc perfectly compatible with the ‘stan-
dard’ Epson LQ800.
To sum up, when 1 was used to the
printer 1 found it relatively easy to use.
But if buying one of my own 1 don’t
think I would choose this model.
Pauline McLernon
117
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118
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
DTP
DESIGN THE FRONT PAGE
This new regular page from Tony Quinn
will help all desktop publishing enthusiasts perfect their pages
The first thing that many people want to
do with their page design system is to
make a newspaper. Yet the result can be
disappointing. Obviously, being limited to
10-inch printer paper is a problem. How
many real newspapers do you know in that
format? It is possible to paste pages
together to make a longer sheet, but here
are some tips for front pages without
resorting to this.
Long-time Acorn User readers might
remember two Abuser pages in 1985. In
July that year, we did a page mimicking the
Daily Express , and in September The Sun-
day Times, and I like to think we got the
look about right, even on A4 paper. The
vital part was copying the design tech-
niques and typestyles of the real thing. We
couldn’t have the same number of col-
umns, but using five columns instead of
eight for the broadsheet version of The
Sunday Times was enough. These pages
were typeset in a very small size (8 point -
normal Acorn User text is 10 point). This
can’t be done on BBC packages, so it’s
impractical to have more than four col-
umns on a page. Even at this width you
have to be careful that large gaps don’t
open up between words. Using short
words and breaking words with hyphens
by hand helps.
Daily Hlail _2£J
BA airliners in drama at 5,000 feet
JETS MISS
DISASTER
BY YARDS
Hurd pledges
mor e police
to fight
crime war in
the shires
Mimicking the Daily Mail in Stop Press vj\\h guide
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
So divide up your standard page into four
columns. These should give about 15 let-
ters across a column with two-letter gutters
in between. I used AMX Stop Press to get
16 characters per column using the 80-
character font set at minimum size with 9
point depth. Add some markers down the
side for quarter, third and half-page depths
and you have a standard page grid. Then
find out how many lines you get down the
page. I got 47, plus the masthead. Print
some of these grids out and use them to
work out page designs with a pencil. It’s
then much easier to see what you’re doing.
You’ll sec I’ve done a front page here in
the style of the Daily Mail , although the
typefaces are different. Note the detail
around the change in column widths, and
the rules. It’s the overall design that counts
and this was all worked out on paper first,
right down to the depth of headlines, the
spaces above and below them, and so on.
The text is mostly gibberish and the pic-
tures are irrelevant, although the shape of a
photo or graphic will usually dictate the
page design.
National papers are a special case of
course, and their front pages are unique to
the paper. A design style that is adopted by
local and trade papers, and for inside pages
on nationals, including broadsheets like
Your
M^slTie-ad
Airline drama at 5,CC0 feet
Hurd puts
faith
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rules for page left in place. Right, pencil sketch for
The Independent, is called ‘modular’. In
this, stories form regular blocks, and it’s
used by papers and magazines - including
Acorn User. Some examples and variations
are shown here. Note how headline clashes
are avoided by using pictures and how
bold text adds vertical or horizontal stress.
Also there should be space - called ‘work-
ing white’ - around headlines and they
should not be cramped right on top of text.
The Guardian is the greatest proponent of
‘working white’, although taking it to these
lengths is a matter of taste.
Take a look at various papers, see how
they compare and how you can copy a
certain page design. You should be able to
spot modular patterns, most often with
variations. It is these variations and diffe-
rent use of type which persuades the eye
that pages are very different, but if you
start comparing papers daily, it should
soon become clear how the patterns repeat,
especially in the more disciplined papers
such as the Mail. It’s taken them years to
settle on these shapes and styles, so don’t
ignore the lessons they carry.
If you've got any design or typography
questions to ask, or if you just want to show
us what you've done, write to Design
Clinic, Acorn User, 20-26 Brunswick Place,
London Nl 6DJ.
modular page on standard grid
1 19
EDUCATION
THE NETWORK PAGE
You can share a teletext receiver between several
stations, with the help of this new communication protocol
The Magnus Connection marketed by BP
uses two Econet stations to model BP’s
personnel movement system. It simulates
communication between onshore and
offshore bases to track the location of
workers. However, the main reason for
station-to-station communication is usually
to share a resource. We already have file-
servers, printer-servers and, as described in
the May issue of Acorn User , graphics-
dump servers. But this article presents a
new protocol, endorsed by both Acorn and
SJ Research, for starting up station-to-
station communication.
The best approach seems to be for the
client to send out a ‘Where are you server?’
sort of message and get back an T’m here’
message from the server. Econet provides
an ideal method for performing such an
operation. It allows a station to ‘broadcast’.
This is a short message which can be
picked up by any station on a network,
provided it is listening.
Before explaining this in detail it is
probably best to say something about
ports. Every message on the Econet has a
port number and station number attached
to ensure it arrives in the right place. In
some ways it is rather like directional radio
transmitters and receivers. When you
transmit a message, the station number
attached to it is deciding which way you
point your transmitter aerial. The port
number attached to it is like the frequency
you are transmitting on. The listening
station has to decide which way to point its
aerial (which station number to listen for),
and also has to be tuned to the right
frequency (listening on the same port as
the transmitting station sent its message
on). For a message to be received both
stations must have their aerials pointing at
each other and tuned to the same frequen-
cy; that is, be using the same port number
and the right station numbers.
But broadcasting is like having a trans-
mitter which emits in all directions. In the
Econet transmit block this is the special
meaning given to a station number of 0. It
is also possible for the receiving station to
listen for any other station, again by using
The G1S teletext adapter . . .
. . . Morley Electronics’ model . . .
... and Acorn’s own adapter
the special station number 0. After a
broadcast is received, the receiver can re-
ply. Then both stations know the station
number of the other (the transmitting sta-
tion number is also attached to each mes-
sage) and they can switch to normal trans-
mit and receive.
Possible confusion may arise from hav-
ing several different types of server on a
network, or indeed several of the same
type. One solution would be to allocate
each server a port of its own. However, the
number of ports is limited. So a more
practical solution is for the client to send
the name of the server it would like to talk
to in the broadcast message. As a further
extension, the server also sends back to the
client the base port number on which
further communication should take place.
This is similar to the technique used by the
file-server for transferring data.
The general method for a client to find a
server is first to open a receive block on
port &B1 for any station. The next step is
to broadcast on port &B0 the name of the
server you want, then poll the receive
block until a reply has arrived. Read the
reply to find the station number of the
server and the base port on which further
communication is to proceed.
The server should open a receive block
on port &B0 for any station. When a
message arrives, see if it contains this
server’s name. If not, reopen the receive
block. If it does, transmit a message to the
client on port &B1 specifying the base port
on which further communication should
take place. The full protocol for finding a
server is shown in the box opposite.
The binary version number allows the
client to intelligently select the most up-to-
date server software if a choice is available.
Server-dependent information which may
be returned at data +3 could be some
indication of how busy the server is, as this
would again allow the client to select the
most favourable server.
To illustrate the use of the agreed pro-
tocols, the network teletext server software
broadcast frequently by the BBC has been
modified. It remains essentially the same as
the server software broadcast by Ceefax
and available from the SJ User Group, but
now conforms to the agreed ‘find server’
protocols. The system consists of three
programs which start on the yellow pages
and continue on page 123. First, a Basic
program TFS which runs in the server
machine with the teletext adaptor. Second-
ly, a machine code routine, Code , which is
loaded at &900 by the program TFS.
Thirdly, a machine code program Teletext
which runs in the local machine, the client.
The Teletext program locates at
&FFFF6F00 and so should not corrupt any
but the longest Basic program in the
client’s memory. It will work with all
versions of the BBC B, B-F, Master 128,
ET, Compact. To install the programs
120
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
place the Teletext program in S.LIBRARY.
Here it can be used by anyone on the
network by simply typing "TELETEXT.
Put TFS and Code in a directory of their
own. This might be the root directory of a
separate user called TFS. If this user has a
'.BOOT file which CHAINs the TFS prog-
ram, the whole system can be started by
typing T AM TFS. The machine running
the TFS program must not use shadow
screens or a second processor if the header
is to be broadcast correctly, as it is peeked
directly from the screen. An old BBC B is
ideal for this application, just as it was for
the graphics dump server described in
May’s Acorn User.
The first action of the Teletext client
program is to open a receive block for the
teletext server’s reply. This receive block
listens to all stations on port &B1, as at
this stage the client does not know the
station number of the server. It then
broadcasts to all stations on port &B0 with
a data field containing Teletext , this being
the name to which the server will respond.
The client then polls the receive block until
a server responds or Escape is pressed.
When the server replies, the client reads
the reply and stores the server’s station
number. The base port number (&B2) is
used to calculate the port numbers to use
for further communication. The client
selects mode 7, prints the server’s station
number and the version number of the
server software. Then the client opens
three receive blocks: one on port &B5
(base-f-3) ready to receive any page headers
which arrive, one on port &B2 (base) ready
to receive any server replies, and one on
port &B4 (base+2) to receive any pages.
The first request is for page 1100 -
remember that the first digit indicates the
channel number. This is on port &B3
(base+1) with a control byte of &81. The
reply receive block is then polled until the
server responds. The position in the queue
returned by the server is printed at the
bottom of the page, and a new receive
block for replies is set up.
The client polls both port &B4 for a
page and port &B5 for a header, until one
or the other receives a transmission. If a
page header is received, then the cursor is
moved to the header position and it is
printed out. An identical receive block is
then set up to replace the one which has
been used. Once a page is received, the first
action is to test the control byte. If this is
&80 then it indicates the page has been
found and is in the receive block buffer
ready to be transferred to the screen. If the
control byte is &81 then this indicates
some error has occurred and that an error
message is in the receive block buffer
waiting to be printed. A successfully re-
ceived page is displayed and a new receive
block for a page is set up. The header
receive block continues to be polled and
displayed until a key is pressed.
All the time the receive blocks are being
polled, the client program also tests to see
if a key has been pressed. If it has, this is
taken to mean that you are about to
request a new page. Most keys allow you
to select a new page. If C is pressed, you
can select a new channel, then a new page
number. If Return is pressed, then the last
page you requested is requested again. If R
is pressed, then concealed parts of the page
are revealed. Pressing R again conceals
them. If * is pressed, then any star com-
mand can be entered. This allows you to
"‘SAVE pages and so on.
The Escape flag is continually polled so
that you can exit at any time. Pressing
PROTOCOL FOR FINDING A SERVER
Client to Server
port
&B0
control byte
undefined
data
name of the server in
capitals padded with
spaces to a length of
eiiiht char as ASCII data
Server to Client
port
&B1
control byte
undefined
data
0 or error number
data4-l
base port number for
further exchanges
data +2
binary version number
of the server software
data +3
server-dependent
escape sends a logoff instruction to the
server which stops it looking for any more
pages for you.
One of the features of the normal use of
teletext is that pages roll. For example, the
cricket scores have more than one screen of
information. These screens are displayed in
sequence. An approximation to this facility
is available from the server. Pressing S will
enable the automatic rolling of sub-pages
signalled with a high-pitched beep. Rolling
can be disabled by pressing S again (with a
low-pitched beep).
This implementation of sub-pages is a
compromise, in that as more clients use
this feature, the server will be overloaded.
For this reason automatic rolling must be
deliberately selected for every new page.
The TFS program makes as full use as
possible of the ATS ROM’s ability to
search for several pages at once. The
theoretical maximum is 20, but the size o: :
the program limits this to about 10. The
only real problem is that it is still only
possible to search for pages on one channe
at a time.
The approach adopted is to place a page
request into one of four queues, one for
each channel. If the number of pages in a
queue exceeds the maximum number of
pages for which the ATS ROM has space
then a ‘Channel busy’ error will be re-
turned. A record is also kept of the total
number of pages requested and this is the
queue position returned to the client - not
the position in the queue for a particular
channel. The way the ATS ROM works
means that if you are third in the queue
you may still receive your page before the
client who is in first position. This is
probably best illustrated by an example.
Suppose these requests are issued:
Station 12 page 170 on channel 1
Station 14 page 400 on channel 4
Station 17 page 123 on channel 1
The TFS program will select channel 1, as
this is the highest priority item in the
queue. Now suppose that as it selects 1, the
BBC is broadcasting page 1 12. The pages
are broadcast almost in order. This means
that station 17’s page (123) will arrive
before station 12’s page (170). Thus station
17 will receive its page first even though it
was third in the queue.
Overall the response time of the system
is very fast, although it will obviously be
slowed down if clients request non-existent
pages. The cycle times for the different
channels are important to the efficiency of
the TFS program - this is the time it takes
to broadcast all the teletext pages. As these
times may be subject to change, they have
been included in a DATA statement at the
very end of the program. The first DATA
statement is the fraction of the cycle time
for which the TFS program will wait
before sending a sub-page. This is current-
ly 0.5. The second DATA statement con-
sists of the cycle times for the four chan-
nels in hundredths of a second. They are
currently set to 40 seconds each.
You will find in the protocols section
over the page, a further non-teletext related
call is included in the TFS server. This
returns the value of the analogue ports, so
that various devices can be attached to the
analogue port of the server and can be
sampled from anywhere on the network.
At Wellington College, we are using this to
monitor the outside temperature.
ACORN USER AUGUST 19S8
121
EDUCATION
TELETEXT SERVER PROTOCOLS
All communications between teletext ser-
ver and client are conducted on ports
base-base+3 (currently &B2-&.B5).
Transmissions from client to server are
on port &B3 and replies from the server
arc on port &B2. Port &B5 is reserved
for broadcasting the current page number
being picked up by the server and port
&B4 is used for transmitting the page
itself.
It is necessary to use four ports because
the client may wish to have three receive
blocks open at the same time: one to
continually update the page header, one
to request other information and one to
receive the page itself. The page currently
being received is broadcast on port &B5
and consists of four bytes:
Byte 1 Channel number in ASCII
Bytes 2-4 Page number in ASCII
All transmissions to the server will result
in a reply being sent. It gives up if a ‘Not
listening’ error occurs five times. There
arc two standard forms of reply.
■ If an error has occurred (eg, you have
requested a silly page number or channel
number) then the first byte of the reply
data will be an error number and the
following byte will be an error message
terminated by a carriage return.
If no error has occurred, the first byte of
the reply data will be zero and the subse-
quent bytes will be dependent on the call
issued.
Read teletext server version number
Client to teleserver:
port &B3
control byte &80
data nil
Teleserver to client:
port &B2
control byte &80
data "0 or error number
data+1 version number as
character string ended
by carriage return
Issue page request
Client to teleserver:
port
control byte
data
&B3
&81
channel number in
ASCII
data+l-data+3 page number in ASCII
Teleserver to client:
port &B2
control byte &81
data 0 or error number
data4-l position in queue
Cancel page request
Client to teleserver:
port &B3
control byte &82
data nil
Teleserver to client:
port &B2
control byte &82
data 0 or error number
data4-l nil
Read max users per channel
Client to teleserver:
port &B3
control byte &83
data nil
Teleserver to client:
port &B2
control byte &83
data 0 or error number
data4- 1 max users
Read date and time
Client to teleserver:
port &B3
control byte &84
data nil
Teleserver to client:
port &B2
control byte &84
data 0 or error number
data4- 1 time and date in ASCII
(HH :MM :SSDD/MM/
YYYY) .
Logoff
Client to teleserver:
port &B3
control byte &85
data nil
Teleserver to client:
port &B2
control byte &85
data 0 or error number
data4- 1 nil .
Page request with time delay
Client to teleserver:
&B3
&86
channel number in
ASCII
data4-l-data4-3 page number in ASCII
port
control byte
data
Teleserver to client:
port &B2
control byte &86
data 0 or error number
data4- 1 position in queue
Request port value
Client to teleserver:
port &B3
control byte &87
data port number in range
0 to 3
Teleserver to client:
port &B2
control byte &87
data 0 or error number
data4- l-data4-2 port value
Reception of the teletext page The teletext
server sends the page on port &B4. The
control byte will be &80 if no error has
occurred, otherwise the control byte will
be &81. The only error that will occur will
be a ‘Timed out’ error (ie, you have
probably asked for a non-existent page).
The data in the receive block buffer will be
the page requested if there is no error,
otherwise the data will be an error message
terminated by a carriage return. If you
successfully receive a page then locations
&3FE into the receive block buffer will
contain the sub-page number in BCD for-
mat. &3FE contains the hi-byte and &3FF
contains the lo-byte.
Error numbers
Possible error numbers are:
1 Bad page number
2 Bad channel
3 Channel busy
4 Time unavailable
5 Bad port
If an error is received then an error mes-
sage terminated by a carriage return will be
returned in data4-l.
The server’s receive buffer is &50 bytes.
It transmits a block of &400 bytes on port
&B3 when transmitting a page and trans-
mits a block of &20 bytes in all other cases
122
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
< Network listing 2 continued from page 96
2790 IF FNpol ltxOO THEN PRINT* ''Not listenin
g ( " ; FNstat i on (st7.) ; " ) " ;
2800 ENDPROC
2810 :
2820 DEF FNpol ltx
2830 REPEAT
2840 AX-&32
2850 r*/.= (USR (osbyte) AND &FF00) DIV MOO
2860 UNTIL r7.< 128
2870 =r%
2880 ;
2890 DEF FNsetuprx (p*/., st*/., b7., 1 7.)
2900 ?blk*/.=0
2910 blk*/.?l=8<7F
2920 blkX?2«p*/.
2930 blk7.!3=sty.
2940 bl k% ! 5“b*/.
2950 blk7.!9=by.+l*/.
2960 X7.=blk*/.:Y"/.=X*/. DIV 256:A*/.=M1
2970 CALL osword
2980 =?bl kX
2990 :
3000 DEF FNpol 1 rx (rX)
3010 AX=&33: X7.=r*/.
3020 =USR (osbyte) AND &S000
3030 :
3040 DEF PRQCreadrx (rX)
3050 7blkX«rX
3060 Xy.=bl k7.s Y*/.=X7. DIV 256:A*/.=M1
3070 CALL osword
3080 ENDPROC
3090 :
3100 DEF PROCnetwork
3110 IF FNpol lrx <B7.) >0 THEN PROCdeal wi thmess
age
3120 IF FNpol lrx (BB7.) >0 THEN PROCdeal wi th-f i n
d
3130 ENDPROC
3140 s
3150 DEF PROCdeal wi th-f ind
3160 PROCreadrx (BB7.)
3170 1 ogon7.?8=13
3180 IF $1 ogon*/.=server$ THEN PROCtxserver i n-f
0
^ 3190 BB‘/.=FNsetuprx (-f i ndserverport , 0, logon7., 8
3200 ENDPROC
3210 :
3220 DEF PROCtxserveri n-f o
3230 stationX=blk*/.!3 AND &FFFF
3240 PRINT* FNstat ion <station7.) ; TAB (8) ; " — FIN
D SERVER—";
3250 ?logon7.=0
3260 logon*/.?l=8<B2
3270 1 ogonX?2 ss bi nvers'/.
3280 % ( logon*/.+3) =server$
3290 logon7.?ll=0
3300 $ ( 1 ogonX+12) =versi on$
3310 PROCtx ( server responseport , &S0, stati an7.,
1 ogonX, &20)
3320 ENDPROC
3330 :
3340 DEF PROCdeal wi thmessage
3350 PROCreadrx (B7.)
3360 station*/.=blk"/.!3 AND &FFFF
3370 control X=blkX?l
3380 ! dataX= ! messageX
3390 PRINT* FNstat ion (stationX) ; TAB (8) ; "CODE
s " ; '''control 7.; " ";
3400 IF control X=&81 THEN PROCrequestpaqe (FA
LSE, &81 )
3410 IF control */.=8<80 THEN PROCversion
3420 IF control */.=8<82 THEN PROCcancel
3430 IF control X=&83 THEN PROCmaxusers
3440 IF control */.=8<84 THEN PROCtime
3450 IF control 7.=&85 THEN PROClogo-f-f
3460 IF control */.=S<B6 THEN PROCrequestpage (TR
UE, &86)
3470 IF control X=&87 THEN PROCtemp
^3480 B*/.=FNsetuprx (server inport, 0, message7., &5
3490 ENDPROC
3500 :
3510 DEF FNstation (stnoX)
3520 net$=FN-f ormat (3, stno7. DIV 256)+"."
3530 =net$+FN-f ormat (3, stno7. MOD 256)
3540 s
3550 DEF FN-f ormat (zX, -f orm’/.)
3560 -f orm$=STR$ (-f orm’/.)
3570 =STRING$ (zX-LEN (form$) , "0">+-form*
3580 s
3590 DEF PROCmaxusers
3600 PRINT"Max users";
3610 ?message*/.=0
3620 messageX?l=maxchanpageX
3630 PROCtx (serveroutport , &83, station7., messa
ge7.,2)
3640 ENDPROC
3650 :
3660 DEF PROCtemp
3670 port*/.=?dataX
3680 PR I NT "Request port ";port7.;
3690 IF port7.<0 OR port7.>3 THEN PROCerror (&B
7,5, "Bad port") s ENDPROC
3700 7messageX sa 0
3710 message7. ! 1=ADVAL (port7.)
3720 PROCtx (serveroutport, &B7, station’/., messa
ge7.,3)
3730 ENDPROC
3740 s
3750 DEF PROCaddarecord
3760 resul t*/.=FNal ready (num7. (ChX) -1 , page*/. (Ch7.
, num7. (Ch7.) ) )
3770 IF resul t*/.=-l THEN PROCuni que (num*/. (chan
neiy.)) ELSE PROCnotuni que (num7. (channel 7.) , resu
l tV.)
3780 ENDPROC
3790 :
3800 DEF PROCversion
3810 PRINT" Versi on number";
3820 ?messageX=0
3B30 $ (message’/.+ l ) =versi on$
3840 PRDCtx (serveroutport , &80, station*/., messa
geX, &20)
3850 ENDPROC
3860 :
3870 DEF PROCt i meanddate
3880 nowX=TIME-l astupdateX
3890 hrs$=FNf ormat (2, (hrsX+ ( (nowX+100*secsX+
6000*mins*/.> DIV 360000) )M0D 24)
3900 mi ns$=FN-f ormat (2, (mi ns’/.+ ( (now*/.+ 100*secs
7.) DIV 6000)) MOD 60)
3910 secs$=FNf ormat (2, (secs7.+ (now’/. DIV 100))
MOD 60)
3920 t i me$=hrs$+" : "+mins$+": "+secs$+date$
3930 ?message7.=0
3940 $ (messageX+1 ) =time$
3950 PROCtx (serveroutport , &84, station*/., messa
ge7., 22)
3960 ENDPROC
3970 :
3980 DEF PROCgetti meanddate
3990 *CH1
4000 IF queue‘/.=0 THEN TIME=0
4010 notime*/.=FALSE
4020 PROCdelay (150)
4030 PROCcal 1(21)
4040 lastupdate*/.=TIME
4050 IF blk’/.?10=S<FF THEN not i meX*TRUE: ENDPRO
C
4060 bl k 7.73= 13: bl k*/.?6=13: bl k 7.79= 13
4070 hrs*/.=VAL(*(blkX+l) )
4080 minsX=VAL($(blkX+4) )
4090 secs*/.=VAL($(blkX+7) )
4100 PROCcal 1 (15)
4110 tenthousands= ( 10* (bl k7.?8 AND &F0) DIV &
10) + (blk*/.?B AND &F)
4120 thousands^ (bl k*/.?9 AND &F0) DIV MO
4130 hundreds=bl k*/.?9 AND 8<F
4140 tens=(blk"/.710 AND &F0) DIV MO
4150 units=blk*/.?10 AND 8<F
4160 jd= 10000 *tenthousands+ 1000 *thousands +10
0*hundreds+10*tens+uni ts
4170 y 1= (100* (jd- 15078. 2) ) DI V 36525
4180 .~<=INT( (jd-14956. 1-INT (365. 25*yl ) ) /30.6
001)
4190 IF ml< 14 THEN k=0 ELSE k=l
4200 days7.=jd-14956-INT (365. 25*yl ) -INT (30. 6*
ml )
4210 months /i=m 1-1-1 2* k
4220 yearsX=yl+k
4230 date*=FN-f ormat (2, days*/.) + " /"+FN-f ormat (2,
months*/.) +"/"+FNf ormat (4, year sX+ 1900)
4240 ENDPROC
4250 :
4260 DEF PROCnotime
4270 ?message7.=4
4280 $ (messageX+1 ) ="Ti me unavailable"
4290 PROCtx (serveroutport , &B4, stati on*/., messa
ge*/., 22)
4300 ENDPROC
4310 : Continued ►
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
123
EDUCA TIO N
◄ Network Page listing 2 continued
4320 DEF PROCti me
4330 PRINT"Request time";
4340 IF not i me*/. “TRUE THEN PROCnotime ELSE PR
OCti meanddate
4350 ENDPRQC
4360 s
4370 DEF FNchannel
4300 PROCcal 1 (0)
4390 * (bl k7.?l ) +1
4400 :
4410 DEF FNlegal (char'/.)
4420 IF char'/.<32 THEN char'/.=255
4430 “char'/.
4440 s
4450 DEF PRDCrequestpage (rol 17., byte'/.)
4460 page*“CHR$ (FNlegal Cdata7.?l) )+CHR$(FNleg
al (data7.?2) ) +CHR$ (FN1 egal <data7.?3) >
4470 page'/.“VAL (page*)
4400 channel '/.*?data'/.-40
4490 PR I NT "Request page ";page$;" on "jchann
el 7.;
4500 page*“CHR* (data7.?l ) +CHR$ <data‘/.?2) +CHR* (
data7.?3)
4510 PROCcheckmatchingsts
4520 IF channel 7.< 1 OR channel 7.>4 THEN PROCer
ror (byte7., 2, "Bad channel " ) : ENDPROC
4530 IF page7.<100 THEN PROCerror (byte7., 1 , " Ba
d page number "): ENDPROC
4540 IF num7. (channel 7) =19 THEN PROCerror (byt
e7., 3, "Channel busy" ) : ENDPROC
4550 IF (Ch7.=channel7.) AND (FNf reerecord (pag
e7.) =maxchanpage'/.) THEN PROCerror (byte7., 3, "Cha
nnel busy" ): ENDPROC
4560 IF (Ch7.<>channel7.) AND (num7. (channel 7.) =
maxchanpage7.) THEN PROCerror (byte%, 3, "Channel
busy") : ENDPROC
4570 num'/. (channel 7) =num% (channel^) +1
4500 queue '/.=queue7.+ l
4590 request7.=request7>l
4600 stati on7. (channel7., num7. (channel7.) ) “stati
on 7.
4610 page7. (channel7., num7. (channel 7.) )=page7.
4620 requestpr i or i ty7 (channel 7, num7 (channel 7
) ) “request'/.
4630 requesttime7 (channel 7, num7 (channel 7) ) -T
IME
4640 rol 1-f lag7 (channel 7, num7 (channel 7) ) =rol 1
7
4650 marker7=request7
4660 IF Ch‘/.“channel7. THEN PROCaddarecord
4670 ?message'/.=0
4600 message’/.? 1 “queue/.
4690 PROCtx (serveroutport , byte7, stati on7 (cha
nnel 7, num7 (channel 7) ) , message7, &20)
4700 ENDPROC*
4710 :
4720 DEF PROCcancel
4730 PRINT"Cancel pages";
4740 PROCtx (serveroutport , &S2, stati on7, messa
ge7, 1)
4750 PROCcheckmatchingsts
4760 ENDPROC
4770 :
4700 DEF PRQClogoff
4790 PRINT"Logof f " ;
4000 PROCtx (serveroutport , &S5, stati on7, messa
ge7, 1)
4010 PROCcheckmatchingsts
4020 ENDPROC
4030 :
4040 DEF PROCcheckmatchingsts
4050 chan’/.=0
4060 REPEAT
4070 chan'/.=chan7.+ l
4000 item'/.=0
4090 REPEAT
4900 item7»item7+l
4910 IF FNdrop THEN PROCreorder (i tem7, chan7)
: i tem'/.=i tem’/.-l
4920 UNTIL i tern’/. >“num'/. (chan’/.)
4930 UNTIL chan'/.=4
4940 ENDPROC
4950 :
4960 DEF FNdrop
4970 IF stati on7 (chan7, i tem7) “station/. THEN
“TRUE
4900 “FALSE
4990 s
5000 DEF PROCerror (con7,err7,err$)
5010 ?message7=err7
5020 * (message'/.+ l)=err$ Continued ►
◄ Network Page listing 2 continued
5030 PRINT’ "ERROR : “ 5 * (message’/.+ l ) ;
5040 PROCtx (serveroutport , con7, stati on7, mess
age7, &20)
5050 ENDPROC
5060 :
5070 *FX 13,5
5000 *H0FF
5090 *TTX0FF
5100 REPORT: PRINT" at line " ; ERL
5110 END
5120 DATA 0.5
5130 DATA 4000,4000,4000,4000
Listing 3. ^TELETEXT source code
10 REM Client tTELETE
670
STA flagspecific
XT source
6B0
JSR entrytonumber
20 REM by Alistair Sh
690
STA specifictx+2
i mmin
700
STA rxserverbl k+3
30 REM -For BBC B/B+/M
710
JMP broadcastf orse
/C
rver
40 REM (c) Acorn User
720
. entrytonumber
August 1^00
730
. number
50 :
740
LDA (pr intptr ) , Y
60 MODE 7
750
CMP #13
70 HIMEM=&6E00
760
BEQ endnumber
00 f indserverport=$<BO
770
CMP #32
90 serverresponseport
700
BEQ endnumber
=&B1
790
CMP #ASC" . "
100 eventtime=20
000
BEQ netnum
110 *KEY 0 CALL code7i
010
SEC
M
020
SBC #40
120 oscl i “&FFF7
030
CMP #10
130 osrdch“&FFEO
040
BCS badnumber
140 osasci “&FFE3
050
LDX #10
150 oswrch=&FFEE
060
. mul tl oop
160 osword=&FFFl
070
CLC
170 osbyte=&FFF4
000
ADC numberstore
100 osargs=S<FFDA
090
BCS badnumber
190 osnewl “&FFE7
900
DEX
200 br kv=&202
910
BNE multi oop
210 printptr=&AS
920
STA numberstore
220 code7.=&6E00
930
INY
230 :
940
JMP number
240 FOR pass“0 TO 3 ST
950
. endnumber
EP 3
960
LDA numberstore
250 P7=code7
970
BEQ badnumber
260 COPT pass
900
RTS
270 .exec
990
. badnumber
200 LDY #0
1000
BRK
290 LDA #2
1010
OPT FNequb (11)
300 LDX #printptr
1020
OPT FNequs ( "Bad st
310 JSR osargs
ati on 1
")
320 STA nfsflag
1030
BRK
330 CMP #2
1040
. netnum
340 BNE dnfs
1050
BIT dot
350 LDA #1
1060
BMI badnumber
360 JSR osargs
1070
LDA numberstore
370 LDY #255
1000
STA specifictx+3
300 .spaceskip
1090
STA rxserverbl k+4
390 I NY
1100
LDA #0
400 LDA (pri ntptr ) , Y
1110
STA numberstore
410 CMP #13
1120
DEC dot: INY
420 BEQ default
1130
JMP number
430 CMP #32
1140
.numberstore OPT F
440 BNE spaceskip
Nequb (0)
450 .spaceskip2
1150
.dot OPT FNequb (0)
460 INY
1160
:
470 LDA (pri ntptr ) , Y
1170
. broadcastf orserve
400 CMP #32
r
490 BEQ spaceski p2
1100
LDX #localnumber M
500 CMP #13
□D 256
510 BEQ default
1190
LDY #localnumber D
520 JMP continue
IV 256
530 :
1200
LDA #& 13: JSR oswor
540 .dnfs
d
550 LDA #1
1210
JSR printtext
560 JSR osargs
1220
OPT FNequs ( "Tryi ng
570 LDY #0
to find TELE-SERVER")
500 LDA (printptr),Y
1230
BRK
590 CMP #13
1240
.f indagainloop
600 BEQ default
1250
JSR setupf indserve
610 JMP continue
rrepl yrx
620 :
1260
. logonloop
630 .default
1270
LDA flagspecific
640 JMP broadcastf orse
1200
BEQ notuserspecif i
rver
ed
650 .continue
1290
JSR setupfindtx
660 LDA #1
1300
JSR cal 1 tx
Continued ^
124
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
< Network Page listing 3 continued
1310
JMP andnowpol 1
2100
CL I
1320
. not user spec i f i ed
2110
LDA
Hheaderevent M
1330
JSR broadcast
OD 256
1340
. andnowpol 1
2120
STA
&220
1350
JSR polltx
2130
LDA
Hheaderevent D
1360
BIT &FF
IV 256
1370
BPL noescapepress
2140
STA
8t221
1380
JSR delete
2150
LDA
brkv:STA brkst
1390
BRK
ore
1400
□PT FNequb (All)
2160
LDA
br kv+1
1410
□PT FNequs ( ''Escape
2170
STA
brkstore+1
">
2180
LDA
Hbrk MOD 256
1420
BRK
2190
STA
brkv
1430
. wai t
2200
LDA
Hbrk DIV 256
1440
LDX Htimeset MOD 2
2210
STA
brkv+1
56
2220
LDA
H22:JSR oswrch
1450
LDY Htimeset DIV 2
2230
LDA
H7:JSR oswrch
56
2240
JSR
printtext
1460
LDA H2
2250
OPT
FNequs ( "Cl P10
1470
JSR osword
0")
1480
. del ayl oop
2260
BRK
1490
LDX Htimeread MOD
2270
LDA
H31*JSR oswrch
256
2280
LDA
H24:JSR oswrch
1500
LDY Htimeread DIV
2290
LDA
H24:JSR oswrch
256
2300
JSR
printtext
1510
LDA HI
2310
OPT
FNequs ( "Server
1520
JSR osword
">
1530
LDA timeread
2320
BRK
1540
CMP H30
2330
LDA
st+1
1550
BCC del ayl oop
2340
BEQ
suppressnetnum
1560
LDA localnumber+l
2350
JSR
printdecimal
1570
STA timedelay
2360
LDA
H46:JSR oswrch
1580
. timedelayloop
2370
. suppressnetnum
1590
DEC timedelay
2380
LDA
st
1600
BNE timedelayloop
2390
JSR
printdecimal
1610
RTS
2400
LDA
H31:JSR oswrch
1620
.noescapepress
2410
LDA
H24:JSR oswrch
1630
JSR wait
2420
LDA
HO: JSR oswrch
1640
LDX rxno2
2430
LDA
H14: LDX H5
1650
JSR pollrx
2440
JSR
osbyte
1660
CMP H&80
2450
JSR
settimeback
1670
BCC logonloop
2460
JSR
printtext
1680
LDA rxno2
2470
OPT
FNequs ("Versio
1690
STA rxblk
n " )
1700
JSR readrx
2480
BRK
1710
LDX HO
2490
LDX
HO
1720
. testnamel oop
2500
. versl oop
1730
LDA buf f er+3, X
2510
LDA
buf f er+12, X
1740
CMP specif icfindse
2520
CMP
H13
rver , X
2530
BEQ
ex i tvers
1750
BNE wrongserver
2540
JSR
oswrch
1760
INX: CPX H8
2550
INX
1770
BEQ rightserver
2560
JMP
versl oop
1780
JMP testnamel oop
2570
. ex i tvers
1790
. wrongserver
2580
JSR
cursorof f
1800
JMP f indagainl oop
2590
JSR
setupheaderrx
1810
. ri ghtserver
2600
JSR
f irstaskf orpag
1820
LDA rxblk+4
e
1830
STA st + 1
2610
. testpagearri ved
1840
LDA rxblk+3
2620
JSR
t estescape
1850 STA st
1860 LDA buffer
1870 BEQ noerrorf romser
ver
1880 STA logonerror+1
1890 . logonerror
1900 BRK
1910 OPT FNequb (0)
1920 OPT FNequs ( "Server
error " )
1930 BRK
1940 . noerrorf romserver
1950 LDA buf f er+1
1960 STA serverrepl ypor
t
1970 CLCsADC #1
1980 STA pagerequestpor
t
1990 CLCsADC #1
2000 STA pagerecei vepor
t
2010 CLCsADC #1
2020 STA pageheaderport
2030 LDX #2s LDA #4
2040 JSR osbyte
2050 SEI
2060 LDA &220
2070 STA ol devent vector
2080 LDA &221
2090 STA ol devent vector
+ 1
2630 LDX #0: LDV #0
2640 LDA H&81
2650 JSR osbyte
2660 CPY HO
2670 BNE nochar
2680 JSR testchar i nput
2690 .nochar
2700 LDX rxno
2710 JSR pollrx
2720 CMP H&BO
2730 BCC testpagearr i ve
d
2740 LDA HI
2750 STA gotfirstpage
2760 LDA H7 s JSR oswrch
2770 LDA rxno
2780 STA rxblk
2790 JSR readrx
2800 LDA rxblk+1
2810 CMP H8-.80
2820 BEQ noerror
2830 JSR cursorbottom
2840 LDX HO
2850 . pri nterrorl oop
2860 LDA buffer, X
2870 CMP H13
2880 BEQ exiterror
2890 JSR oswrch: INX
2900 JMP pri nterrorl oop
2910 .exiterror
2920 LDA H7: JSR oswrch
2930 LDA HI
2940 STA errorflag
2950 LDX HO
2960 JSR testchari nput
2970 JMP testpagearri ve
d
2980 .noerror
2990 JSR displaypage
3000 LDA rollflag
3010 BEQ norol 1 1
3020 JSR returnpressed
3030 . norol 1 1
3040 LDX HO
3050 JMP testpagearri ve
d
3060 .headerevent
3070 PHP
3080 CMP H5
3090 BNE notourevent
3100 PHAs TYA: PHA: TXAs PH
A
3110 LDA H&86
3120 JSR osbyte
3130 STX possSTY vpos
3140 LDX rxnol
3150 JSR pollrx
3160 CMP H&80
3170 BCC noheader
3180 LDA rxnol
3190 STA rxblk
3200 JSR readrx
3210 LDA H31 : JSR oswrch
3220 LDA HI 5s JSR oswrch
3230 LDA HO: JSR oswrch
3240 LDA nfsflag
3250 CMP H2
3260 BEQ oldnfsheader
3270 LDX HO
3280 . headpri ntl oop
3290 LDA header+l,X
3300 JSR oswrch
3310 INX
3320 CPX H3
3330 BNE headpri ntl oop
3340 JSR setupheaderrx
3350 JMP noheader
3360 .oldnfsheader
3370 LDX HO
3380 . ol dheader 1 oop
3390 LDA rxbl k+6, X
3400 JSR oswrch
3410 INX : CPX H3
3420 BNE ol dheader 1 oop
3430 JSR setupheaderrx
3440 .noheader
3450 JSR settimeback
3460 LDA H31 : JSR oswrch
3470 LDA possJSR oswrch
3480 LDA vpos: JSR oswrc
h
3490 PL A: TAX: PL A: TAY: PL
A
3500 .notourevent
3510 PLP
3520 JMP ( ol devent vecto
r )
3530 .settimeback
3540 LDX Htb MOD 256
3550 LDY Htb DIV 256
3560 LDA H4:JSR osword
3570 RTS
3580 .pos OPT FNequb (0)
3590 .vpos OPT FNequb (0
)
3600 . oldeventvector OP
T FNequw(O)
3610 .gotfirstpage OPT
FNequb (0)
3620 .indexflag OPT FNe
qub (0)
3630 .errorflag OPT FNe
qub (0)
3640 . f i rstaskf orpage
3650 JSR askforpage
3660 RTS
3670 .brk
3680 JSR osnewl
3690 LDY HO
3700 .errloop
3710 INYsLDA (&FD),Y
3720 BEQ exiterr
3730 JSR oswrch
3740 JMP errloop
3750 .exiterr
3760 LDA H&7C
3770 JSR osbyte
3780 LDX stackstores TXS
3790 JSR osnewl
3800 JMP returnf romerro
r
3810 .displaypage
3820 LDA HI 2
3830 JSR oswrch
3840 JSR home
3850 LDA Hbuffer MOD 25
6
3860 STA &AB
3870 LDA Hbuffer DIV 25
6
3880 STA &A9
3890 LDA H3: STA &AB
3900 LDA H&E6: STA &AA
3910 LDY HO
3920 .displayloop
3930 LDA HI
3940 STA indexflag
3950 LDA (&A8) , Y
3960 CMP H32
3970 BCS nobadchar
3980 LDA H32
3990 .nobadchar
4000 JSR oswrch
4010 CLCsLDA &A8
4020 ADC HI: STA &AB
4030 LDA &A9: ADC HO
4040 STA &A9: SEC
4050 LDA &AA: SBC HI
4060 STA &AA: LDA 8<AB
4070 SBC HO: STA &AB
4080 BPL displayloop
4090 JSR home
4100 LDA H67 : JSR oswrch
4110 LDA pageinput : JSR
oswrch
4120 LDA H32: JSR oswrch
4130 LDA HBO: JSR oswrch
4140 LDX HO
4150 . currentpageloop
4160 INX:LDA pageinput,
X
4170 JSR oswrch
4180 CPX H3
4190 BNE currentpagel oo
P
4200 LDA HI: STA gotpage
4210 RTS
4220 . isr
4230 LDA HI 3: LDX H5
4240 JSR osbyte
4250 LDA H21 : LDX HO
4260 JSR osbyte
4270 LDA H23
4280 STA linecount
4290 .reveal loop
4300 LDA H38: STA xline
4310 -inrloop
4320 LDA H31 : JSR oswrch
4330 LDA xline
4340 JSR oswrch
4350 LDA linecount
4360 JSR oswrch
4370 LDA H&B7
4380 JSR osbyte
4390 CPX H152
4400 BNE noconceal
4410 LDA H32: JSR oswrch
4420 JMP nohide
4430 .noconceal
4440 CPX H32: BNE nohide
4450 LDA H152: JSR oswrc
h
4460 .nohide
4470 DEC xline
4480 BPL inrloop
4490 DEC linecount
4500 BNE reveal loop
4510 LDA H14: LDX H5
4520 JSR osbyte
4530 JSR settimeback
4540 RTS
4550 .isstar
4560 JSR cursorbottom
Continued ►
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
125
EDUCATION
◄ Network Page listing 3 continued
4570 . i sanotherstar
5400 LDY #0: JSR osbyte
6210 LDX #11
7030 OPT FNequb(&43)
4580 LDA #42: JSR oswrch
5410 PLP
6220 .txloop
7040 OPT FNequs ("No clo
4590 LDX #star MOD 256
5420 BEQ notoktorol 1
6230 LDA reqpage,X
ck")
4600 LDY #star DIV 256
5430 LDA gotpage
6240 STA txbl k , X
7050 .line jammed
4610 LDA #0:JSR osword
5440 BNE oktorol 1
6250 DEX: BPL txloop
7060 BRK
4620 BCS starescape
5450 . notoktorol 1
6260 RTS
7070 OPT FNequb (&40)
4630 LDA #13: LDX #5
5460 RTS
6270 . setupf indtx
7080 OPT FNequs ("Line j
4640 JSR osbyte
5470 . i sc 1
6280 LDX #11
ammed" )
4650 TSXsSTX stackstore
5480 JMP isc
6290 .txfindloop
7090 BRK
4660 LDX #starbuf f MOD
5490 . testcharinput
6300 LDA speci-f ictx , X
7100 .ok
256
5500 CPX #42: BEQ i sstar
6310 STA txbl k , X: DEX
7110 LDX rxno2
4670 LDY #starbuf f DIV
1
6320 BPL tx-f indloop
7120 JSR pollrx
256
5510 CPX #82: BEQ isrl
6330 RTS
7130 CMP #&B0
4680 JSR oscli
5520 CPX #114: BEQ isrl
6340 .cancelpage
7140 BCC ok
4690 . returnf romerror
5530 CPX #83: BEQ isS
6350 LDA #&82
7150 LDA rxno2: STA rxbl
4700 JSR osnewl
5540 CPX #115: BEQ i sS
6360 STA reqpage
k
4710 JSR cursoroff
5550 CPX #13: BNE noretu
6370 JSR transmi tandget
7160 JSR readrx
4720 JSR printtext
rnpressed
reply
7170 .testescape
4730 OPT FNequs ("Press
5560 LDA gotpage
6380 RTS
7180 BIT 8cFF
any key")
5570 BNE oktoreturn
6390 .logo-f-f
7190 BPL noescape
4740 BRK
5580 RTS
6400 LDA #&B5
7200 JSR cursorbottom
4750 JSR osrdch
5590 .oktoreturn
6410 STA reqpage
7210 LDA #4: LDX #0
4760 CMP #42
5600 LDA #0: STA roll-fla
6420 JSR transmi tandget
7220 JSR osbyte
4770 BNE notanotherstar
g
reply
7230 LDA #&7C: JSR osbyt
4780 JSR cursarbottom
5610 . oktorol 1
6430 RTS
e
4790 LDA #13: LDX #5
5620 JMP returnpressed
6440 .ask-forpage
7240 JSR cursoron
4800 JSR osbyte
5630 . noreturnpressed
6450 LDA #&81
7250 JSR logoff
4810 JMP isanotherstar
5640 TXA: PHA
6460 STA reqpage
7260 JSR delete
4820 .notanotherstar
5650 LDA error-flag
6470 JSR setuppagerx
7270 JSR printtext
4830 .starescape
5660 BNE noneedtocancel
6480 LDA #0: STA gotpage
7280 OPT FNequs ("Escape
4840 LDA gotf irstpage
pages
6490 LDA roll flag
")
4850 BEQ stillonpagel
5670 PLA: TAY: PHA
6500 BEQ noroll
7290 BRK
4860 LDX rxno
5680 LDA #138: LDX #0
6510 LDA #&B6: STA reqpa
7300 LDA brkstore
4870 JSR pollrx
5690 JSR osbyte
ge
7310 STA brkv
4880 CMP #&80
5700 JSR cancel page
6520 .noroll
7320 LDA brkstore+1
4890 BCS wi 1 ldisplayany
5710 LDA #0
6530 JSR transmi tandget
7330 STA brkv+1
way
5720 STA roll -flag
reply
7340 LDA #13: LDX #5
4900 JSR displaypage
5730 . noneedtocancel pag
6540 JSR cursorbottom
7350 JSR osbyte
4910 . wi 1 ldisplayanyway
es
6550 LDA replybuffer
7360 SEI
4920 .stillonpagel
5740 LDX rxno
6560 BNE replyerror
7370 LDA ol deventvector
4930 LDA #&7C: JSR osbyt
5750 LDA #&34
6570 JSR printtext
7380 STA &220
e
5760 JSR osbyte
6580 OPT FNequs ("Item "
7390 LDA ol deventvector
4940 LDA #14: LDX #5
5770 PLA
)
+ 1
4950 JSR osbyte
5780 CMP #67: BEQ iscl
6590 BRK
7400 STA &221
4960 JSR settimeback
5790 CMP #99: BEQ iscl
6600 LDA repl ybuf f er+1
7410 CLI
4970 RTS
5800 LDA error-f lag:PHA
6610 JSR printdecimal
7420 PLA: PLA
4980 .isc
5810 BEQ noerror-flag
6620 JSR printtext
7430 .noescape
4990 LDA #21: LDX #0
5820 LDA #21: LDX #00
6630 OPT FNequs (" in qu
7440 RTS
5000 JSR osbyte
5830 JSR osbyte
eue" )
7450 .setuppagerx
5010 LDA #0
5840 PLA: CMP #2
6640 BRK
7460 LDX #12
5020 STA error-flag
5850 BNE notchannelerro
6650 RTS
7470 .moverxloop
5030 .anothertry
r
6660 .replyerror
7480 LDA rxpage,X
5040 JSR home
5860 JMP isc
6670 STA errorflag
7490 STA rxbl k, X
5050 LDA #9: JSR oswrch
5870 . notchannelerror
6680 LDA #7: JSR oswrch
7500 DEX: BPL moverxloop
5060 LDA #32: JSR oswrch
5880 LDA #0: PHA
6690 LDX #1
7510 LDA st + 1 : STA rxblk
5070 LDA #8: JSR oswrch
5890 . noerrorf 1 ag
6700 . repl yerrorl oop
+4
5080 LDX #ci nput MOD 25
5900 PLA
6710 LDA replybuffer, X
7520 LDA st: STA rxblk+3
6
5910 STA errorflag
6720 CMP #13
7530 JSR setuprx
5090 LDY #cinput DIV 25
5920 .andnowpage
6730 BEQ exitrepl yerror
7540 STA rxno
6
5930 LDA #0: STA roll-fla
6740 JSR &FFEE: INX
7550 RTS
5100 LDA #0: JSR osword
g
6750 JMP replyerrorloop
7560 . setupf indserverre
5110 BCS wasanescapel
5940 JSR home
6760 . exi trepl yerror
plyrx
5120 LDA channel input
5950 JSR printtext
6770 PLAiPLA
7570 LDX #12
5130 CMP #ABC"5"
5960 OPT FNequs ("
6780 LDX #0
7580 . movef i ndrxl oop
5140 BCS anothertry
">
6790 JMP testcharinput
7590 LDA rxserverbl k, X
5150 CMP #A6C"r'
5970 BRK
6800 . transmi tandgetrep
7600 STA rxblk, X
5160 BCC anothertry
5980 LDA index-flag
iy
7610 DEX
5170 STA pageinput
5990 BNE skipblanks
6810 JSR setupreplyrx
7620 BPL movef i ndrxl oop
5180 JMP andnowpage
6000 JSR printtext
6820 . setupandretry
7630 JSR setuprx
5190 . wasanescapel
6010 OPT FNequs ("
6830 JSR setuptx
7640 STA rxno2
5200 JMP testescape
">
6B40 LDA st: STA txblk+2
7650 RTS
5210 . i sr 1
6020 BRK
6850 LDA st + 1 : STA txblk
7660 . setuprepl yrx
5220 JMP isr
6030 .skipblanks
+3
7670 LDX #12
5230 • i sstar 1
6040 JSR home
6860 JSR cal 1 tx
7680 . mover epl yrx loop
5240 JMP i sstar
6050 LDA #67: JSR oswrch
6870 JSR polltx
7690 LDA rxrepl y , X
5250 .isS
6060 LDA pageinput
6880 CMP #0: BEQ ok
7700 STA rxblk, X: DEX
5260 LDA #1
6070 JSR oswrch
6890 PHA: JSR wait: PLA
7710 BPL movereplyrxloo
5270 EOR roll-flag
6080 LDA #32: JSR oswrch
6900 CMP #&42
P
5280 STA roll -flag
6090 LDA #80: JSR oswrch
6910 BEQ setupandretry
7720 LDA st+1: STA rxblk
5290 PHP
6100 LDX #i nput MOD 256
6920 CMP #&41
+4
5300 BEQ low
6110 LDY #i nput DIV 256
6930 BEQ setupandretry
7730 LDA st : STA rxblk+3
5310 LDA #&D5: LDX #150
6120 LDA #0: JSR osword
6940 PHA
7740 JSR setuprx
5320 LDY #0: JSR osbyte
6130 BCS wasanescape
6950 JSR cursarbottom
7750 STA rxno2: RTS
5330 JMP high
6140 JSR cursorbottom
6960 PLA
7760 . setupheaderrx
5340 .low
6150 . returnpressed
6970 CMP #&40
7770 LDX #12
5350 LDA #&D5: LDX #50
6160 JSR askforpage
6980 BEQ line jammed
7780 . moveheaderloop
5360 LDY #0: JSR osbyte
6170 RTS
6990 CMP #&43
7790 LDA rxheader , X
5370 .high
6180 .wasanescape
7000 BEQ noclock
7800 STA rxblk, X:DEX
5380 LDA #7: JSR oswrch
6190 JMP testescape
7010 .noclock
7810 BPL moveheaderloop
5390 LDA #&D5: LDX #101
6200 .setuptx
7020 BRK
Continued ►
126
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
◄ Network Page listing 3 continued
7020 LDA st + 1 : STA rxblk
+4
7030 LDA st: STA rxblk+3
7040 JSR setuprx
7050 STA rxnol
7060 RTS
7070 .home
7000 LDA #30: JMP oswrch
7090 . cursorbottom
7900 LDA #13: LDX #5
7910 JSR osbyte
7920 LDA #31: JSR oswrch
7930 LDA #0: JSR oswrch
7940 LDA #24: JSR oswrch
7950 JSR printtext
7960 OPT FNequs (STRINGS
( 20 ," "))
7970 BRK
7900 LDA #31: JSR oswrch
7990 LDA #0: JSR oswrch
0000 LDA #24: JSR oswrch
0010 LDA #14: LDX #5:JSR
osbyte
0020 JSR settlmeback
0030 RTS
0040 .cursoron
0050 LDA #23: JSR oswrch
0060 LDA #1:JSR oswrch
0070 JSR oswrch
0000 JSR paddingzeros
0090 RTS
0100 . cursoroff
0110 LDA #23: JSR oswrch
0120 LDA #1 : JSR oswrch
0130 . paddingzeros
0140 LDX #0
0150 .cursorloop
0160 LDA #0: JSR oswrch
0170 DEX:BNE cursorloop
0100 RTS
0190 .delete
0200 LDX rxno: LDA #&34
0210 JSR osbyte
0220 LDX rxnol: LDA #&34
0230 JSR osbyte
0240 LDX rxno2: LDA #&34
0250 JSR osbyte
0260 RTS
0270 .calltx
0200 LDX #txbl k MOD 256
0290 LDY #txbl k DIV 256
0300 LDA #&10: JSR oswor
d
0310 RTS
0320 .polltx
0330 LDA #&32: JSR osbyt
e
0340 TXA: CNP #&80
0350 BCS polltx
0360 RTS
0370 .broadcast
0300 LDX #bcast MOD 256
0390 LDY #bcast DIV 256
0400 LDA #& 10: JSR oswor
d
0410 RTS
0420 .pollrx
0430 LDA #&33: JSR osbyt
e
0440 TXA
0450 RTS
0460 .zero-flag OPT FNeq
ub (0>
0470 . pr i ntdeci mal
0400 LDY #0: STY zerofla
9
0490 LDX #255
0500 .hunloop
0510 INX
0520 SEC: SBC #100
0530 BCS hunloop
0540 PHA: TXA: JSR digit
0550 PLA: CLC: ADC #100
0560 LDX #255
0570 .tenloop
0500 INX
0590 SEC: SBC #10
0600 BCS tenloop
0610 PHA: TXA: JSR digit
0620 PLA: CLC: ADC #10
0630 JSR digit
0640 RTS
0650 .digit
0660 CMP #0
0670 BNE oktoprint
0680 BIT zeroflag
0690 BPL suppressprint
0700 .oktoprint
0710 DEC zero-flag
0720 ORA #48: JSR oswrch
8730 . suppresspr i nt
8740 RTS
8750 .setuprx
8760 LDX #rxbl k MOD 256
8770 LDY #rxbl k DIV 256
8780 LDA #&11:JSR oswor
d
8790 LDA rxblk
8800 RTS
8810 .printtext
8820 CLC: PLA: ADC#1
8830 STA printptr
8840 PLA: ADC#0
8850 STA printptr+1
8860 TYA: PHA
8870 LDY #0: BEQ print3
0080 .print2
8890 JSR osasci
8900 .print3
8910 LDA (pr i ntptr ) , Y
8920 INC printptr
8930 BNE print4
8940 INC printptr+l
8950 .print4
8960 CMP #0: BNE print2
8970 PLA: TAY
8980 JMP (printptr)
8990 . readrx
9000 LDX #rxbl k MOD 256
9010 LDY #rxbl k DIV 256
9020 LDA #&1 1 : JSR oswor
d
9030 RTS
9040 .local number
9050 OPT FNequb (8) : OPT
FNequw (0)
9060 .timedelay OPT FNe
qub (0)
9070 .st OPT FNequw (0)
9080 .gotpage OPT FNequ
b (0)
9090 .roll flag OPT FNeq
ub (0)
9100 .nfsflag OPT FNequ
b (0)
9110 .rxno OPT FNequb (0
)
9120 .rxnol OPT FNequb (
0)
9130 .rxno2 OPT FNequb (
0 )
9140 .tb OPT FNequd(-ev
enttime)
9150 OPT FNequb (&FF)
9160 .timeset
9170 OPT FNequd (0) : OPT
FNequb (0)
9180 .timeread
9190 OPT FNequd (0) : OPT
FNequb (0)
9200 . f lagspecif ic OPT
FNequb (0)
9210 .beast OPT FNequb (
&80)
9220 .findport OPT FNeq
ub (f i ndserverport )
9230 OPT FNequw (&FFFF)
9240 . speci f icf indserve
r
9250 OPT FNequs ( "TELETE
XT")
9260 .specifictx
9270 OPT FNequb (&80)
9280 .findport OPT FNeq
ub (f i ndserverport )
9290 OPT FNequw (0)
9300 OPT FNequd (speci f i
efindserver OR &FFFF0000
)
9310 OPT FNequd ( (speci f
icfindserver+B) OR &FFFF
0000 )
9320 .rxblk
9330 OPT FNequw (&7F00)
9340 OPT FNequb (0)
9350 OPT FNequw (0)
9360 OPT FNequd (0) : OPT
FNequd (0)
9370 .rxserverblk
9380 OPT FNequw (&7F00)
9390 OPT FNequb (serverr
esponseport )
9400 OPT FNequw (0)
9410 OPT FNequd (buff er
OR &FFFF0000)
9420 OPT FNequd ( (buffer
+&400) OR &FFFF0000)
9430 .rxpage
9440 OPT FNequw (&7F00)
9450 . pagerecei veport 0
PT FNequb (0)
9460 OPT FNequw (0)
9470 OPT FNequd (buff er
OR &FFFF0000)
9480 OPT FNequd ( (buff er
+&400) OR &FFFF0000)
9490 .rxreply
9500 OPT FNequw (&7F00)
9510 . serverrepl yport 0
PT FNequb (0)
9520 OPT FNequw (0)
9530 OPT FNequd ( (buff er
+&400) OR &FFFF0000)
9540 OPT FNequd ( (buff er
+&420) OR &FFFF0000)
9550 .rxheader
9560 OPT FNequw (&7F00)
9570 . pageheaderport OP
T FNequb (0)
9580 DPT FNequw (0)
9590 OPT FNequd (header
OR &FFFF0000)
9600 OPT FNequd ( (header
+8) OR &FFFF0000)
9610 .reqpage
9620 OPT FNequb (&81)
9630 . pagerequestport 0
PT FNequb (0)
9640 OPT FNequw (0)
9650 OPT FNequd (pagei np
ut OR &FFFF0000)
9660 OPT FNequd ( (pagein
put+20) OR &FFFF0000)
9670 .txblk
9680 OPT FNequs (STRING*
(12, CHR* 0) )
9690 .input
9700 OPT FNequw (pagei np
ut + 1)
9710 OPT FNequb (3)
9720 OPT FNequw (&FF00)
9730 .stackstore OPT FN
equb (0)
9740 . brkstore OPT FNeq
uw (0)
9750 . star
9760 OPT FNequw (starbuf
f )
9770 OPT FNequb (39)
9780 OPT FNequw (&FF00)
9790 . starbuf f
9800 OPT FNequs (STRING*
(40, CHR* 0))
9810 .cinput
9820 OPT FNequw (channel
input)
9830 OPT FNequb (1)
9840 OPT FNequw (&FF00)
9850 .linecount OPT FNe
qub (0)
9860 .xline OPT FNequb (
0)
9870 . channel i nput OPT
FNequw (0)
9880 .header OPT FNequd
( 0 )
9890 OPT FNequd (0)
9900 .pagei nput
9910 OPT FNequs ("1100")
9920 OPT FNequb (13)
9930 OPT FNequd (0)
9940 .buffer
9950 3
9960 repl ybuf f er=buf f er
+&400
9970 NEXT
9980 :
9990 PROCchecksum (&6E00
, buf f er-1 , &44988)
10000 PRINT "Press space
to save code"
10010 IF GET=32 THEN PRO
Coscl i ( "SAVE TELETEXT 6E
00 "+STR*~buf f er )
10020 END
10030 :
10040 DEF FNequb (byte)
10050 ?P*/.=byte
10060 P7.=P7.+ 1
10070 =pass
10080 :
10090 DEF FNequw (word)
10100 !P*/.=word AND &FFFF
10110 P'/.=P'/.+2
10120 =pass
10130 :
10140 DEF FNequd (dword )
10150 !Py.=dword
10160 p*/.=py.+4
10170 =pass
10180 :
10190 DEF FNequs (stri ng*
)
10200 *P7.=string*
10210 Py.=Py.+LEN string*
10220 =pass
10230 :
10240 DEF PROCoscli (stri
ng$)
10250 DIM X*/. 50
10260 *X'/.=string$
10270 Y7.=X7. DIV 256
10280 CALL &FFF7
10290 ENDPROC
10300 DEF PROCchecksum (s
t'/., end7., sum7.)
10310 sy.=o
10320 FOR r/.=sf/. TO end'/.
10330 S7.=S'/.+?r/.
10340 NEXT
10350 IF S'/.=sum7. THEN EN
DPROC
10360 PRINT "Please chec
k listing"
TELESOFTWARE
Although these programs allow you to view all the teletext
pages , you cannot download telesoftwarc programs directly.
If however , you have direct access to an adapter , you can
make use of the service .
As from August, the BBC will be transmitting a selection
of programs from Acorn User on their Ceefax service. These
include a few from this month plus one or two from previous
issues. You can download the programs using any teletext
adapter from Acorn, Morley or GIS. They can be accessed via
the telesoftware index on page 700.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
127
OFFERS
SYSTEM DELTA
me=-"TH.SH£l !'
ESUFFaUEEI <L
f iies'^SUBLISlC * 1
Fllv^IXUSliT?
[PICTURE REFEREHCE Ho : H12345
! DLSheet Ho : 1234
Keg Ho : x555/55/5
P Igpe : b«
r. - Mr i si Match
F 1 1 DEW)
my \eS\ (1
m m
SilS
Ran? B. LoMther
Birthday 29/03/38
Salary 8518.88
GIG ! Calculator
Office
17, tferran Crescent
Manchester
CT. NflHCKESIER
KE2 7KL
Hc*r.e
Eoad 21. Exeter Hay
Town Manchester
Coaab ST. KflHCHESIER
Posfwtfe m 60F
□EjEuEl
0E00E
QBE IBS
QQQQQ
TelfiPhoae <0l8?)-341825 (8187)-S52341
Interests Mine and foreign travel.
? t ■■ ■ ■■ =
4 System Delta
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Inter/View Link (Please circle your choice)
I enclose my cheque/postal order made payable to Minerva
Systems Ltd for £
Please charge my Access/Barclaycard
acc/no i rm i i rn i i i i i rum
Expiry date I I I I I
NAME
ADDRESS
POSTCODE
Send this coupon with your remittance to System Delta Offer, Acorn User
Merchandising, Redwood Publishing Ltd, 20-26 Brunswick Place, London
N1 6DJ
‘Mailing labels with line compaction
‘Comprehensive, yet simple, reporter facility
‘Card copier to transfer records across files
‘Imports data from dBase, Betabase, ViewStore, etc.
Archimedes owners who buy the System DeltaPlus database
and WIMP Card through Acorn User will be sent a free Minerva
Systems voucher worth £15. This voucher can be used as part
payment on any software bought from Minerva.
For BBC micro owners, System Delta is still the most
comprehensive and flexible data management system
available. With System Delta you can store up to 8160 records
of 255 fields with 8000 characters per record. The package
features:
‘Up to five files open at once
‘Find any record in 3 seconds
‘Extensive single or multiple criteria searches, sorts and
maths facilities
‘Multiple print formats
‘Card copier for transfer between files
‘Fully programmable relational system with over 150
commands available
‘Simple, yet comprehensive, card index application built in.
Any Acorn User reader purchasing System Delta through
Acorn User may choose one of three versatile System Delta
support programs worth £19.95.
Mailshot produces up to four across labels and links with
wordprocessors for mail-merged documents. Reporter
produces simple lists as well as fully definable reports
including negative and positive columns, averages, totals,
headings and sub-totals. Inter/View Link transfers data directly
or as a result of any calculation from the database to the Inter
and View family applications.
DON’T DELAY - ORDER TODAY
128
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
COMPUTER
STUDIES^
Sir, I am about to choose my
third year options at school,
and am writing about the prac-
tical use of computer studies. I
feel that the computer is one of
the most exciting teaching aids
for pupil and teacher alike, and
should be promoted as such.
Wordprocessing is an immense-
ly useful tool. Databases and
graphics can be exploited in
nearly every subject. But com-
puter studies itself is not really
needed; at the moment it is
merely an extension of physics,
maths and CDT.
I think that the material used
in teaching computer studies
has a very narrow spectrum.
During the past two terms I
have learned the basics of in-
formation storage using OPE-
NIN and the like, and also that
an interface box will allow re-
lays to be switched on and off
to allow crude control of a
motorised toy. Is this what em-
ployers want? Will Britain rely
on PRINT# and INPUT# for
its storage of data?
Some will say that IBM com-
patibility is being introduced
with the Nimbus, but all these
machines with superb graphics
are doing is running BBC Basic
86, Microsoft Word and PC
Paint. There must be some-
thing wrong.
I have nothing against the
teaching of computer science.
However I cannot find any
practical use for this subject
which cannot be achieved by
extending existing subjects.
G Preston
Henley
Design your own forms
A BIGGER
ORGANISER
Sir, I own a BBC B with a
Solidisk 32k sideways RAM
and also a Panasonic KX-1082
printer. I use a commercial
organiser and am very impress-
ed with it. However, I would
like to use the design sequences
to design invoices, etc, for my
business, on A4 paper. The
supplier of the program says it
would be difficult to amend the
program. R E Wood
Northampton
It would indeed be difficult to
amend the program to cope
with paper larger than a per-
sonal organiser. But Mewsoft
(on 01-267 2642) produces a
program called A4 Form De-
signer that should suit. It
costs £9.95.
ATARI
TO ARC
Sir, I have recently upgraded
from an Atari ST to an
Archimedes and I’m very
pleased with it. After selling the
ST, I had a 3.5-in disc drive left
over. It ran perfectly on the ST
and I was wondering if I could
connect it to the Arc?
J Timmins
Kingswinford
3.5-in drives could be fitted
into the Arc’s case, but you
would have to make up a
small U-shaped mounting
bracket to hold the drive at
the correct angle, and modify
the grey plastic fascia. If
mounting the drive external-
ly, you will need one of the
special interfaces, as without
it you can damage the Arc.
Either a 3.5-in drive or a 5.25-
in unit can be added. Suitable
Arc can have extra drive
interfaces are available from
CJE Micros, Watford Electro-
nics, Beebug and others.
KEY
SOLUTION
Sir, I read with interest the
review of educational databases
in the May issue of Acorn User.
Having used Key at school, I
know the problem of having to
swap the discs can be overcome
by using either a double-sided
or dual disc drive. In both cases
the Key program disc is used in
drive 0 while the data disc is in
drive 2 or 1 respectively. Once
the data disc has been entered
as drive 2 or 1 the disc doesn’t
have to be swapped.
D Gibson
Houghton-le-Spring
CO-PROCESSOR
CONFUSION
Sir, can co-processors designed
for the IBM PC, such as the
Intel 8087, be used with the
Beeb? Can you just use a Co-
Pro adapter? The Intel proces-
sors seem fairly cheap, about
£100 for an 8087. If they were
introduced into the system,
could memory cards be added
as well? If this is possible, the
power of the Beeb could be
magnified unbelievably.
B Mumford
Wimbourne
No. The 8087 is a dedicated
floating-point maths chip,
which can only work with the
right circuitry. This circuitry
is usually built into an IBM
PC - but not a BBC micro.
And it isn’t even cheap - the
£100 8087 is just a single chip.
Acorn co-processors are
‘whole computers’ on boards
which plug straight into a
Master 128, or into a model B
or B+ via a Watford Co-Pro
adapter or Acorn Universal
Second Processor adapter. The
65C102 co-processor doubles
the speed of the BBC micro
with most software, and the
512 co-processor gives you a
good measure of IBM PC
compatibility.
In fact, IBM PC co-
processors and expansion
cards have more in common
with Archimedes podules and
co-processors. The planned
floating point maths podule is
based around a chip similar to
the 8087. But although similar
in concept, you can’t put IBM
cards in an Archimedes.
ACORN USKR AUGUST 1988
129
PAGEMAKER GRAPHICS
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FSE-AMX Converter
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CommunITel is an exciting professional viewdata system
for the BBC B. Master & Compact Micros (DFS. ADFS or Network).
rrs uses in education include
Learning Information Technology Cross-Curricular Development
Structuring Creative Learning Administration/Publicity
The system includes a comprehensive suite of programs which enables the creation of a database with
message facilities. This can then be made available to callers using a telephone line and any viewdata
terminal. Tho package includes comprehensive tutorial and reference manuals and a sample databaso.
Available in TWO LEVELS FOR USE WITH THE DTI (DaCom or Tandata) SCHOOLS MODEM
LEVEL1 FRAME EDITOR
SEARCH
CAROUSEL DISPLAY
FRAME PRINTER
VIEWDATA ♦ TERMINAL
LEVEL 1 + £55
UPGRADE FROM LEVEL 1 • TO LEVEL 2 E45
LEVEL 2 FRAME EDITOR
SEARCH
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DIAL IN HOST SYSTEM
TELESOFTWARE FORMATTER
LEVEL 2 £95
UPGRADE FROM LEVEL 2 TO ADFS LEVEL 2 C45
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ready made symbols and icons £7.95
FLEET STREET EDITOR USERS
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All prices include VAT and p&p UK.
Europe add £3.00. Outside Europe add £5.00.
State DFS format (40/80/ss/ds)
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Access and Visa Welcome.
Dept 2, Micro Studio, 83 Clay Street,
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LEVEL 2 with Auto-answor/ Auto-dial MODEM from C375 (all prices exclude p&p & VAT)
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a single 80 track D.S. disk or thousands of pages using a winchester disc drive.
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FOR A DEMONSTRATION of LEVEL 2 dial: Viewdata No 01-968 7402 or Telephone 01-960 7998
For more information cut out the coupon and send to:
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Please send me details of CommunITel products. I am particularly interested in (please indicate)
NAME -
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ESTABLISHMENT
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Communications Software for Acorn Archimedes computers
U-Connect is a general-purpose, but full-featured communications software package written
specifically for the Archimedes range of computers, using a combinations of assembler and 'C'
U-Comect runs exclusively within the Archimedes WIMP environment, fully utilising the concepts
of multiple windows, icons, and pop-up menus to provide an easy-to-use. flexible, and.attractive
mouse-driven package
U-Connect provides.
Terminal Emulations - Teletype. VT52 .VT 100 and VideoTex (Prestel)
File Transfers - ASCII XMooem Kermit.CET (PrestelDownload)^
I Screen Review -view past text/frames in separate scrolling window
Modem Drivers ~ support for all common types of modems fully user configurable (Hayes.
■ Dacom. Pulsed, and Dumb supplied as standard)
PhoneBooks - Multiple Phonebooks allowed, each with 40 entries, defining phone numbers,
logon function keys etc . allowing the completeenvironment to be pre-configured automatically
before connection • v V .
U-Connect is ideal for the Archimedes User who wishes to connect to remote computer
services such as Bullet. n Boards. Online Databases. Conference Systems. E-Mail
systems etc It is supplied on 3 5" disk with a comprehensive user manual covering all
aspects of the package
U-Connect is the first .m a range of Magenta Research software packages planned tor
the Archimedes over the coming months
Send cheque or PO to
Price: £59.95 inc VAT & p+p (outside UK add £4 p-Fp)
5ih Floor: Amp House. Dingwall Road Croydon. CRO 9XA. United Kingdom
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130
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
LETTERS
Z88PLUS
INTERWORD
Sir, I have recently used the
article ‘Have Micro - Will
Travel’ (Acorn User , January)
to link my Z88 to my BBC
micro. After a bit of teething
trouble with the cable, the
transfer system has worked ex-
tremely well.
Pipedream files transfer per-
fectly well to InterWord as
they are, but it is better to load
them at the cursor on an
opened blank InterWord file.
To transfer InterWord files to
Pipedream it is necessary to
produce a spool file without
codes, but Pipedream doesn’t
object to being fed a complete
InterWord file in error. Because
InterWord marks the beginning
of each text line by adding &80
to the ASCII value of the first
character, these non-printable
characters are shown as blue
squares in Pipedream , so a
straight file can only be used if
you are willing to do a fantastic
amount of editing.
Carriage return characters
are recognised in both direc-
tions so the basic text layout is
unaltered. However, Pipedream
doesn’t automatically wrap the
end of an existing line on to the
next line, so it is necessary to
set the margin width in Pipe-
dream to the same as that used
in the InterWord file.
W H James
Letchworth
The wiring diagrams given
with the Z88 article are repro-
duced above. Each view looks
into the socket, or the back of
the plug. The numbering of
the pins on the BBC micro
serial port is confusing be-
cause different brands of plug
are numbered or lettered in
different ways.
Whatever way your plug is
numbered, it is the location of
BBC (top) Z88 (bottom)
1 2
2 3
3 7
4 5
5 4
1
6
BBC to Z88 connections
the pin that is important (ie,
the central one is Ground,
and must be connected to the
Z88 pin 7). There is usually a
cutout in the metal shell of
the DIN plug too - it doesn’t
matter whether this goes at
the top or the bottom, but
decide before you wire up the
lead and keep it that way.
COMPACT
DFS DISCS
Sir, I am the owner of a Master
Compact and wish to upgrade
the system by adding a 5.25-in
disc drive and a DFS ROM. I
would like to know if DFS can
be used on the Compact’s stan-
dard 3.5-in drive if the ROM is
fitted.
J P McRae
Guildford
The 1770 DFS can be used on
the Compact’s built-in drive,
and the ROM image should
be on your Welcome disc. If
it’s not, get the latest disc
from Acorn. With any two
drives, '‘’MOUNT (ADFS) and
V DRIVE (DFS) are used to
switch between drives.
SEEING
CI1FAX
Sir, I own a BBC B and a
television with teletext and an
RGB socket. I would like to be
able to download software and
other pages from Ceefax.
I know that I need a lead
from the computer to the RGB
TV socket but I don’t know if
other software is needed.
Could you recommend some?
A J Wilkins
Bicester
You can’t download pages
from teletext using your tele-
vision. The RGB socket on
your TV only allows you to
use it as a monitor, to display
the computer’s screen output.
It can’t be used to transfer
data from the TV to the com-
puter. To download Ceefax or
telcsoftware, you need a tele-
text adapter from Morlcy or
the BBC itself. Each comes
with the appropriate software
to allow downloading.
HHH1
PRI NTING CIRCUIT
BOARDS
Sir, J Clyde (Letters, May) re-
ported trouble in obtaining a
usable print-out from Joe Tel-
ford’s PCB design program
(AU y December 1987). The ver-
tical spacing of the drawing was
apparently incorrect.
This is probably due to many
screen dumps using different
horizontal and vertical scales,
and is commonly experienced
as circles appearing as flattened
ellipses when dumped. Mr
Clyde may be able to resolve
his problem by including in the
string of printer codes VDU
1,27,1,42,1,4 which works with
many, if not all, Epson-
compatible printers. Martin
Phillips gave a full explanation
in his Hints and Tips article in
the May 1987 issue.
H J Henson
Kilmarnock
REPLACING
RAM CHIPS
Sir, I have a BBC B issue 4
machine with disc drive anc
Acorn DFS 0.9. I bought Life
of Repton (my son insisted, and
that’s my excuse) only to find
that it will not run on my
machine. However, I borrowed
an old BBC with an issue 3
board on which it works OK.
I assumed that my machine
had a fault somewhere so 1
wrote a memory test routine
and discovered not one but two
faulty locations at &4B4F and
&5B4F. The test was to write
&55 and &AA to each address
and then read it back. From
this I found that &55 returned
as &75 which pointed to bit 5
of the data bus for these loca-
tions. I subsequently de-
ciphered that this was being
contained in IC66.
After changing IC66 for a
new chip supplied by Watford
I found that the fault was still
present. Do 1 need to find a
chip with a very fast access
time to clear this fault?
W A Hewitt
Birmingham
Memory faults such as these
can stop any program which
uses that area of memory.
IC66 should be replaced with
a 4816-11 RAM chip, but as
you’ve done this already, take
a careful look at the sur-
rounding tracks too.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
131
WEES2EM
TELETEXT (AND TV) ADAPTER: OUR PRICE: £89.99 INC. VAT
Compatible with Archimedes, BBC, Master and Compact. Professionally built
and tested, mains powered, on/off switch, TV picture and sound outputs for
Philips monitors. Connects to the user port on BBC or Master, joystick port on
Compact and printer port on Archimedes. Downloads free software and
preselected pages manual or automatic. Stylish 2-tone brown and beige case.
Supplied with lead, software disc and manual.
SI
PC 500 and PC PLUS
They can be left plugging into the TUBE connector and switched on when
required. The PC 500 is basicallyan Acorn 801 86 co-processor in a case. 5 1 2K
RAM, 10MHz 16-bit CPU, mouse, GEM and DOSPLUS. Runs most PC
software. OUR PRICE: £239 INC. VAT. The PC PLUS comes with 1024K of
RAM, OUR PRICE: £339.00 INC.
SOLIDISK SUPER AT SYSTEM
Our fully IBM compatible PC At (12MHz 80286) offers realistic computing
power at much lower price than the Archimedes. Please ring for catalogue.
Example of prices: System unit, keyboard, PSU, serial parallel. Real time Clock:
£399. WD's HDD/FDD controller + 40MB, 40ms hard disc: £265. RAMchips:
£6 each. Display options: mono, Super EGA and VGA multisync. All pricesare
excluding VAT.
THE MULTIFUNCTION TWOMEG 128K
4 extra ROM sockets (plus 4 already on the BBC), 1 28K of Shadow RAM and
Sideways RAM will massively improve your BBC computer. Ring us for full
specs. OUR PRICE: £60 INC. VAT.
1772 DOUBLE DENSITY DISC INTERFACE
The new Acorn DNFS and ADFS require the WD1772 to run. Our 1772 is
inexpensive and totally hardware compatible with these ROMsand the 801 86
co-processor. Full specs available. OUR PRICE £35.00 INC. VAT.
1772 + 8271 DFDC
Our DFDC will add the 1772 Double Density while retaining your8271 chipon
the same circuit board. Some DFS ROMS cannot switch, please check with us
before you buy. OUR PRICE: £40.00 INC VAT.
DOUBLE DENSITY DFS 2.2 ROM
This will work with both 1 772 and 8271 (single density only). Overcome DFS
31 file limit, 60% increase of storage on DD, disc format, verify, edit, recover
and restore. 16K ROM, truly superior code. OUR PRICE:£15(£10ifpurchased
with our 1 772 or DFDC).
ADVANCED ADFS 2.1 ROM SET
This works only with the 1 772 chip. It has all the features of 2.2 DFS plus a
more powerful ADFS than the Compact or Master. Two 1 6K ROMs the best
discoperating system for the BBC. OUR PRICE: £30(£20 if purchased withour
1772 or DFDC).
SUMMER SALE!
MASTER PACK:
Acorn Master 1 28K computer plus 3.5" double sided disc drive. RRP: £549
OUR PRICE: £449 inc. VAT.
ARC MEGA PACK:
Acorn Archimedes 310, 20MB Winchester, 14" Multisync colour Monitor,
full specs available. RRP £2,199, OUR PRICE: £1 ,999 inc. VAT.
ATARI SUMMER PACK:
New model Atari 520STFM 51 2K RAM but with 1 MB double sided disc drive,
£400 worth of free software, mouse and joystick, full specs available. A sure
winner. RRP £399, OUR PRICE: £359 including £20 discount vouchers.
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TO PLACE AN ACCESS/VISA ORDER.
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Written in 'C' itself for speed and portability
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Screen Mode may be changed at any time.
40+K of Program space even without overlays
Shell ROM image provided giving a 'MAKE' facility.
Use any editor, a simple line editor is included.
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
132
LETTERS
.STRATEGY
REVIEW
Sir, LEAs are currently in the
process of reviewing their com-
puter hardware and software
strategy for schools. This is
largely in response to the DES’
Information Technology in
Schools initiative. Possibly for
the same reason, more hard-
ware manufacturers are seeing
education as an important mar-
ket. And recognising that com-
patibility between machines
and software is regarded as an
important consideration by
those in education; manufactur-
ers are claiming that their pro-
ducts have that compatibility.
LEAs are right to want max-
imum compatibility, because of
the substantial investments that
have been made in purchasing
educational software and
associated curriculum materials,
and in training staff to use them
effectively. But it is difficult for
LEAs to interpret the claims of
manufacturers with regard to
the practical aspects of their
particular situation.
The National Council for
Educational Technology is
therefore undertaking an urgent
assessment of a selection of the
new 16- and 32-bit computer
systems, to determine the ex-
tent to which each of those
systems will interconnect with
the range of hardware already
in the schools and the extent to
which such systems will run
existing educational software in
common use.
The council is proposing to
complete this study by the end
of October 1988. Detailed and
objective advice can then be
provided to LEAs in time for it
to be used when deciding pur-
chasing policies for the present
financial year.
Dr Noel Thompson
Chief Executive
National Council for
Educational Technology
Nimbus VX: one new system
Readers who have had experi-
ence in using software on the
new machines, (the Macin-
tosh, IBM PC, Archimedes
and Nimbus AX and VX for
example) should contact Dr
Thompson at NCET, 3 De-
vonshire Street, London,
WIN 2BA
COLD
POWER
Sir, Joe Telford’s ‘Blowing Hot
and Cold’ in the May 1988
Acorn User draws attention to
the use of a real-time tempera-
ture plotting program to save
energy costs.
I have been using the BBC
model B for four years to
monitor temperatures inside
and outside the house, also the
temperatures within the re-
frigerator and in the pipes to
the central heating radiators.
The passage of warm and
cold weather fronts make good
viewing; the most rapid rise of
temperature I ever noticed was
on the night of October 15 last
year as the big storm
approached. The cycling of the
refrigerator shows up wasteful
patterns of use, and the saving
when thawing frozen goods in
the refrigerator is obvious from
the trace.
However, there is a problem.
This application requires the
computer to be in almost con-
tinuous use. I find that after
every two years the power
supply becomes unhappy. It
will start and run when warm,
but it will not start from cold.
This is probably due to failure
of a single component, but we
are expected to replace the en-
tire unit at about £60. Has
anyone else experienced this
problem and found a cheaper
solution other than leaving it
on all the time.
John Chambers
Surrey
There is a similar problem
with network fileservers,
which are often left on almost
continuously. It arises because
capacitors used in the power
supply degrade. Power sup-
plies are not easy to repair,
but Riverside Systems (Unit
15, Riverside Workshops, 28
Park Street, London SE1
9AB) will replace broken pow-
er supplies with reconditioned
units for £40.
LIMITS
OF ARC
Sir, I agree entirely with the
points made by R York (Letters,
July 1988) about the expanda-
bility of the Archimedes.
Although 1Mbyte appears to
be a lot of memory, it is
already obvious that many us-
ers will find it insufficient. The
MS-DOS emulator is limited in
1Mbyte machines, and there
will certainly be little memory
spare for RAM discs and prin-
ter buffers. Many users will
want the ROM and interface
podules and this will be the
limit for the hardware expan-
sion of the 300 series.
Although the raw power of
the Archimedes is very attrac-
tive, the Atari ST and the Com-
modore Amiga (which has just
come down in price), have
more users and software, and
are half the price of a 300 series
machine. The justification for
paying for an Archimedes is as
much the knowledge and soft-
ware that BBC micro owners
have built up, as the very high
performance.
I would like to buy an
Archimedes but am reluctant to
buy a 300 series machine and
cannot possibly afford an
A440. With the continuing abs-
ence of the A410 from the
range, this means that I wait
and may be attracted by
another machine in that time.
John Haines
London
PLAYING
GAMES
Sir, while trying to run certain
disc-based BBC games on Mas-
ter 128s in my place of work, I
find that some refuse to load
and some have corrupted
Evening Star: requires CONVERT
graphics. Is there any command
that can be entered to make the
Master emulate a Beeb more
accurately?
Thomas Crossey
Merseyside
The majority of BBC games
will work on the Master 128,
but sometimes they need a
little ‘tweaking’. Corrupted
graphics are often caused by
loading character definitions
into the wrong memory.
This problem arises because
the model B and Electron
models use a memory at &B00
to store user-defined charac-
ters, whereas the Master uses
&8900 for all its characters.
There is a utility on the Mas-
ter Welcome disc called
‘CONVERT’ that will sort
out this problem.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
133
EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
* BARGAIN PRICES *
TITLES
Maths Pack
Pick a Word
Jigsaw Puzzle
Sliding Block Puzzle
Colour Snap
Shape Snap
One Two Three Snap
RRP
Our
RRP
Our
CODE
(Cass)
Price
TITLES
CODE
(Cass)
Price
BE.
11.95
0.99p
Nursery Rhyme
B
9.95
0.99p
B.E.C.
9.95
0.99p
The Basic Lesson
BE.
11.95
0.99p
B.E.C.
9.95
0.99p
The Graphic Lesson
B.E.
11.95
0.99p
B.E.C.
9.95
0.99p
Utility Pack
B.C.
7.95
0.99p
B.E.C
11.95
0.99p
Drawing Pictures + Puzzles
B.E.C.
11.95
0.99p
B.E.C.
11.95
0.99p
Learning Compodium 1
B.E.C.
11.95
0.99p
BE. 11.95 0.99p
B- BBC. E- Electron and C- Concept keyboard
E40.00
Torch Z80 ZEP 100 Second Processor (allows CPM on BBC B or Master) ~
£55.00
Postage: Software El , (over 6 titles free). Drives £2.50, Z80 El .50
Trade and Education Enquiries Welcome.
Letters/Cheques to:
MEYERS LEISURE PRODUCTS
7, TURNERS TOWER,
FAULKLAND, Nr. BATH SOMERSET
BA3 5UP
Tel: 0373 87459
m3m
INTEGRATED CAD/CAM
For IBM PC compatibles and the BBC Micro series
Used in EDUCATION and INDUSTRY world wide these packages are
sophisticated, menu driven and user friendly, providing PROFESSIONAL
facilities for very accurate drawing construction and data extraction for post
processing and Numeric Control (NC)
All packages have explicit input prompts and messages, this together with
INTERACTIVE HELP makes these systems easy to use and easy to learn. Some
of the features included are:-
* Geometric and schematic drawings * Properties of area
* Tangents and intersects * Incractive TextSymbol FONT EDITOR
' Drawing elements: lines, arcs, circles, text, symbols * Scale and units control
* Filleting: between lines arcs and circles * Plotter and DNC user interlace
' Zoom and pan * Mirror and Copy functions
* Dimensioning: vertical, horizontal parallel, arrow * Profile/tool palh from drawing geometry
* 14 decimal place accuracy * Tool radius compensation
PRECISION CAD/CAM-PC - (£1650 with NC data Edilor ex. VAT) - HALVE THIS FOR
EDUCATION
EDUCAD - (£80 ex. VAT) ECONET NETWORK - £250 ex. VAT.
EDUCNC - (£35 ex. VAT) ECONET NETWORK - £110 ex VAT
EDUSOFT Lodge Hill, Sevens Road, Cannock Wood, Rugeley, Staffs, WS15 4RX
TEL, 05436 76939
'“Contex '
Bank Manager
Advanced personal bank account management program for disc systoms
Standard Bank Manager for BBC B and B v Cl 7.50
Master Bank Manager for Master and Compact E22.50
Archimedes Bank Manager E25.00
Bank Manager Business Utilities
Adds trial balance and Spreadsheet reports to Bank Manager systems
for all Bank Manager versions (state which) £12.00
Typing Tutor
Teaches touch typing, 90 lessons, including motronome and audio koy click, rocommondod
Version 1, cossotto only C12.50
Version II, for BBC B,Bi, Master and Compact, disc only £12.50
Archimedes version, disc only £15.00
Shareware for Archimedes PC Emulator
Suitable MS DOS software selected for the Arc PC Emulator
Spreadsheet; 64x256 rows, sorting, many functions £7.50
Word Processor; fast, easy, many functions, dictionary £7.50
Database; 2 discs, many facilities, on-line help £15.00
MS DOS Tutorial; Interactive learning £7.50
Pinballs; 8 good pinball games on one disc £7.50
All prices fully inclusive, free postage in UK
Enquiries and Access orders ’phone 02303 347
State: B. B r, Master, Compact. Archimedes and if 40tk 5.25", 601k 5.25“ or 3.5’ disc
Contex Computing
1 5 Woodlands Close, Cople, Bedford MK44 3UE
J
NEW
maths
package
exploration of number patterns & chains
includes easy-to-use software
18 copyright-free pupil worksheets
teacher’s booklet including topic ideas
for ages 9 to 16 £18 (inclusive price)
[SAMPLER DISCS Infant/Junior or IT 6 x 18p stamps"
Somasoft
please state whether Arc
BBC 40T / BBC 80T / Nimbus
Educational
Software
1, Lees Barn Road. Radcliffe-
on-Trent. Notts NG12 2DT
Phone (06073) 4120
ADVANCED STATISTICAL SYSTEM
For BBC Models B, B+, Master 128 and Archimedes
FIRST
Standard, Professional and Academic Features
Fast, robust, accurate, interactive, modular. Full data management. Transforms, dummy
variables, data subsets. Scatter & Normal prob. plots. Detailed Univariate Stats, t tests.
Unrivalled regression facilities
(Weighted, through the origin, standardised). Correlation matrix, ANOVAfor regression.
Residuals, fitted values & confidence intervals. Contour plots from regression. Polynomial
regression equation plots with confidence intervals. Advanced regression DIAGNOSTICS,
VIF’s, influential points.
Unique ROBUST regression. True NONLINEAR regression
Two and Three-way ANOVA. Cluster analysis. Time Series & smoothing. Nonparametric
methods. Distribution generators, Histograms, Chisquared tests.
Specialised Linear Calibration. “Outlier" detection. Prinicpal components.
Numerous other powerful options.
Full utilities (data saving, dumps, printing, formating, etc.) Comprehensive Manual-full User
Support. Special versions available for 3201 6 Co-processor and ACW.
Price £90-£150 depending on features. Versions for Industry Standard PC s
Full details from
SERIOUS STATISTICAL SOFTWARE
Lynwood, Bcnty Heath Lane, Willaston, S. Wirral L64 1SD. Tel: 051-327 4268
ACORN USER
ADVERTISEMENT PAGES
-AUGUST 1988
4Mation
52
Melton
16
Aeon Computer House
58
Micro General
116
Alpha Microtec
27
Micro-Media
52
Avon Computer Exchange 26
Microaid
24
AVP Computing
58
Microboss
24
B & S Computing
18
Microman Computers
68
BBD Computer Dust Covers 70
Micro Power
31
Beard Technology
62
Microstudio
130
Bcebug
6,12,14
Mijas Software
132
Brainsoft
33
Minerva Systems
IBC
C & F Associates
110
Mitre Software
8
Care Electronics
108
Morley Electronics
20
Centec
32
Meyers
134
Chalice Software
118
Nebulae
108
CJE Microcomputers
60
Oak Computers 23,25
Clares Micro Supplies
50,74
P&H Electronics
40
Colton Software
2
Pineapple Software
30
Communitel
130
PMS
25
Comp Shop
28
RISC User
6
Computaccount
104
Saddler Computer Service
56
Computech
70
Selec Software
70
Computeck
62
Serious Statistical Software
134
Computer Concepts
53
Silicon Vision Ltd
10
Contex Computing
134
Solidisk
132
CSS
132
Somasoft
134
Dabs Press
78
Superior Software IFC,OBC
Datastore
51
System Applied Technology
51
Digital Services Ltd
30
T-System
62
Edusoft
134
Technomatic
34
Ground Control
30
Telcmap
5,27
HCCS
8
Terrel Electronics
51
HCR Electronics
118
Tiger Software
8
Hi-Voltage
1
Trafford Computing
33
Impact Posters
19
Turbosoft
27
Imperial
51
Twillstar Computers 22,114
Integrex
66
Unique Solution
108
Intelligent Interfaces
24
Viglen Computer Supplies
63
Leewood Developments
24
Vine Micros
110
Magenta Research
130
Voltmace
42
Martelec
56
We-Servc
23
Matmos
62
Whittle Systems
56
Mayhew Telonics
58
Wight Scientific
24
Meadow Computers
52
Wing Pass
51
Melford
27
Zone Four
16
134
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
FREE ADS
MASTER 128, green and colour
monitor, 40/80T D/S drive, manuals,
Plinth. All Immaculate, £600. Tel:
Peterborough (0733) 72887.
BBC B Shadow RAM, 4meg board, SWR
(32kJ, 40T disc drive, many ROMs plus
discs, £300 ono. Tel: (0323) 846298
Eastbourne.
ACORN Electron software for sale.
Games include Plagger and lots more.
Tel: Luton (0582) 667467 eves, ask for
Richard.
BBC B with 1770 DFS and ADFS, £250.
2764 and 27128 EPROM programmer
and EPROM eraser, £30. Tel: David,
Edinburgh 031-447 1200.
BBC B, single drive, SWR128 blank
discs, games discs, joystick covers, £700
(worth £1000). Tel: 01-556 7618.
BBC B 40/80T DS drive, SWR, joysticks.
Music 500, midi interface, WordWise
various games, blank discs, dust cover,
£350. Tel: (0272) 520013.
CUMANA 40/80T 400k drive leads,
manual, utilities, £65 ono. Printmaster
ROM, £15. ViewSpell, £20. Dumpout 3
ROM, £20. Satchel Desktop II 4-, £80.
Tel: 01-805 1504.
COMPACT Play it again Sam, gallery
disc and new Advanced User Guide,
never been used, £30. Tel: (0280)
814261.
BBC B, twin discs (DS/DD) Watford
128k card, AMX mouse, joysticks,
Philips monitor, 50 discs, books and
extras, £500 ono. Tel: (0204) 76913.
BBC B Issue 3, £150. Issue 7, with Acorn
DFS, £250. Cumana 68008 upgrade, 512k
RAM, software, £300. Tel: 01-460
0280.
BBC bits including Acorn teletext
receiver, ATS ROM, original disc, ROM
and tape software. Contact Dr. Wears,
Manchester. Tel: 061-795 4567.
MASTER 128 plus manuals. 40/80T
DS/DD disc drive. InterWord ROM,
many extras including £300 worth of
software, £450 ono. Tel: (0482)
505960.
DUAL full height 80/40T drives; will
exchange for single half height 80/40T or
sell, £100. Tel: Warriner (0964)
622274.
BBC B Issue 7, dual disc drives, ROM
board and 16k SWR, 1770 DD/FS, AMX
mouse and Super Art software, joystick,
boxed, £450. Tel: (0909) 482297.
MASTER 128k with two d/drives,
monitor, printer, joystick, mouse and
software, includes ISO-Pascal and
ViewStore, £550. Tel: (0274) 488604.
BBC, £1800 worth of equipment, offers
around £1000. Includes disc, printer,
second processor, modem, ROMs, etc.
Tel: (0724) 842953.
EMR midi interface for BBC B, also
performer, composer, editor discs (40T),
boxed, all manuals included, £55. Tel:
Mike (0202) 526062.
EPSON FX80 printer, PMS multifont,
Beebug toolkit, Watford DD/DFS,
Acorn ADFS, Solidisk RTC 16 & 32k
EPROM programmers, InterWord,
Sharemaster. Tel: (0203) 410047.
BBC B Issue 4, DNFS, OS. 1.2, Viglen
console, cartridges, dual 40/80T,
Microvitec 1431, InterWord, £425. Tel:
021-329 2058 eves.
BBC B, Watford DNFS, dual disc drives
(80T), monitor. Acorn Z80 second
processor, £600. Will split. Tel: (0256)
63140 eves.
BBC B, DFS, 40/80T DS/disc drive,
4MHz 256, Stix, Tracker hall, lots of
software, tons of mags and books, £400.
Tel: Steve (0634) 404473 eves.
BBC B, Opus DD/OS, 40/80T DS/DD
drive, 1 6k SWR, Replay, Forth, specialist
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
manuals, software, good condition, £400
ono. Tel: (0628) 39738 eves.
AMX Pagemaker, £18. DS/DD three
drives and 30 discs, £35. Solidisk DFDC
board, £20. Tel: (0324) 37040.
GRAPHIC adventure creator, tape
version. Original case, excellent
condition with original manual, £18 ono.
Tel: (0454) 415200 eves.
CUMANA CS400 SOT disc drive,
double-sided, own PSU, £60. Tel: 01-834
2419 eves.
BBC B OS 1 .2, data recorder, Oki
microline-80 dot-matrix printer (80
cps), joysticks. (Potcntinmeter), manuals,
games and magazines, £290 ono. Tel:
Andy (0225) 316969 eves.
BBC Issue 7 twin SOT 256k SWR, Music
500, software, books, RTC, joysticks,
tape, may split, £500. Tel: (0384)
288363.
ATPL Sideways ROM board, £15. Disc
Doctor ROM, £10. 6502 second
processor, £60. Stardata-base ROM/disc,
£15. Tel: (0233) 32787 eves.
BBC micro, Torch Z80 co-processor,
800k drives, 32k SWR, 30 books, 35
discs, 80 tapes, £450 ono. Tel: (0264)
87297.
MASTER reference manual part 1, brand
new, £10. Tel: Russ (0252) 702802
(Elstead, Surrey).
BRAND new Watford 3.5-inch double
sided SOT disc drive, £60. Tel:
Cheltenham (0242) 36992.
ELECTRON Plus 1, AP4 interface,
T2P4 copier, cassette recorder, £250
worth of software/magazines/books,
quick sale £80. Tel: (0276) 29937.
WATFORD Word Aid still in box, £15.
Original games, Castle Quest, Ian
Bothams Test Match 5.25-inch discs, £5
each. Graphic Writer for Archimedes,
£15. Tel: 051-722 5799 eves.
COMMUNICATOR ROM from
Computer Concepts for VT100
emulation, brand new, £50. Tel: 01-995
8546.
ACORN Electron good condition with
games, mags, starter pack and books. All
for only £35 ono. Tel: Edinburgh
031-228 1947.
BBC Master 128 DS 40/80T D/Drive,
modem, Music 500, tape recorder,
joystick, interface, many books, lots of
software, £540 ono. Tel: (0322)
527250.
ELECTRON, Plus 3, discs, tapes,
manuals, books, etc. VGC, £120 ono.
Tel: (0703) 268328 eves.
ORIGINAL BBC tapes, Superior,
program power, Acornsoft, plus many
others. Over 80 games, £40 ono. Tel:
Wickford, Andrew (0268) 734458
eves.
SOLIDISK SWR 32k Issue 2; offers?
Tel: (0759) 303536.
MASTER, two drives, used for college
project, no longer needed, £300 quick
sale. Tel: (0532) 400728 ask for
John-J.
ACORN 6502 second processor, £75.
Tel: Roger 061-799 9845 eves.
BBC B Issue 4, Acorn DFS OS 1.2,
bargain, £140 ono. Tel: (0454) 778324
Winterbourne, Bristol.
BBC B monitor, lead, joysticks, manuals,
loads of games, no reasonable offer
refused. Tel: Mark 01-642 1881.
BARGAIN BBC B, DFS, OS 1.2 data
recorder, manual, loads of games,
joysticks, excellent condition, still boxed,
£290 ono. Tel: 061-477 1545.
BBC, 100k D/Drive, LX80 printer,
mouse, Super Art, Pagemaker, video
digitiser, 32k SWR, software, £40 ono.
Tel: 01-850 9503, Daran.
BBC B, Solidisk 2mg board, dual 40/80T
disc drives, graduate unit, utility ROMs,
CUB monitor, £475. Tel: (0706)
852455.
ELECTRON Plus 1, boxed, data
recorder, double joysticks, leads, books,
35 games on 13 tapes, two ROMs, £95.
Tel: (0603) 871 598.
BBC B with View, ISO Pascal (chip)
sidewise 40/80T disc drive, games. Best
offer over £400. Tel: Farnborough (0252)
543144.
64K ELECTRON, Plus 3, ROMbox + ,
32k SWR F00 DFS, T2P4 Elkman,
arcade and adventure software tape/disc,
£325 ono. Tel: 061-223 4113.
NIGHTINGALE modem Commstar 2
ROM, suit BBC B leads, £55. Prestel
adaptor with ROM software, and leads,
£50. Tel: Portsmouth (0705) 263632.
EPSON RX80-F/T, £120 or £10 each.
NLQ/ROM, TD ROM, AMX ROM,
Contex s-shcct, Voltmacc s/ware4-
interface, Hcrshey. WordWise Plus, £20.
Tel: Mike, Crawley (0293) 515320.
NIGHTINGALE modem with
Commstar, as new, £80. Also DataGem
ROM, new, £35. Tel: (0635) 63854
anytime.
SOLIDISK 4meg 256k board, £70. Pen
Triend, WordWise Plus, Mini Office II,
PrintWise, also many books, all half
price. Tel: (0980) 24346.
SHINWA CP80A printer with lead, £99.
Also two 100k disc drives with dual lead,
£60. Tel: Chorlcy (02572) 78286.
BBC B 32k, £160. Dual d/sided SOT
drives, £125. Z80 Torch, £105. 6502
second processor, £69. B/W monitor, £45
ono. Tel: (0634) 241237.
ELECTRON 64k/32k turbo, £85. Plus I
interface, £35. Slogger Pcg400 disc
interface, £60, Joystick, £7. All
boxed/new. Tel: (0272) 774642.
ACORN Z80 second processor, all
software and manuals, excellent
condition, £165 including datapost
delivery. Tel: Luton (0582) 412368.
MODEM Pace, Linnet and Commstar 2,
V21/V23 auto answering intelligent, with
all manuals, as new, £95 ono. Tel: (051)
342 5754.
BBC B keyboard as new, £15. 40T disc
drive and PSU, £50. Wanted, teletext
adaptor. Write: 101 Sandbourne,
Stavordale Road, Moreton, Wirral, L46
9PT.
ACORN prestel adaptor and ROM, no
reasonable offer refused. Tel: Kelvin
(0992) 467320 (Herts).
WATFORD switchablc drive with PSU,
£80 ono. RAMwise 2 ROM/RAM board,
£22 ono. Oxford Pascal, £18. BCPL
bundle, £18. Slave+, £14. Tel: Andrew
(0265) 825025.
CUMANA CS 100 40T SS disc drive
with PSU, £70 ono. Tel: 01-517
4679.
ACORN Plus 1 expansion for Electron,
£5. View, ViewShcet , ROM cartridge,
£10 each. All as new with manuals. Tel:
Holywell 714274.
WATFORD 128k ROM/RAM, all
extras, £50. Original Beeb monitor 12-in
green, £50. STL case, remote keyboard,
£25. Beeb keyboard, £35 ono (all VGC).
Tel: 02302 4634.
BBC B computer, DFS, 40/80T D/D,
colour monitor, View word processor,
Epson LX-800 printer, manuals, cables,
etc. Tel: Portsmouth 826163.
WANTED, manuals for Acorn Z80
second processor, usually supplied with
Z80 on purchase. Can you help? Tel:
(0245) 267456 (Essex).
WANTED BBC B Issue 7 in good
condition with 80T disc drive, 1770 DFS.
Tel: (0785) 58344 eves.
WANTED Electron 64k SOT drive
5.25-inch with PSU, very top prices paid.
Tel: 01-950 9413.
WANTED WordWise Plus, Word Aid,
Spell Master, Pen Down, Logotron Logo.
Tel: (0242) 584753.
WANTED Facit 4560 user manual, also
BBC B compatible interface controller
board for Winchester drive. Tel: (0225)
332746.
WANTED BBC B or Master computer
and dual disc drive, colour VDU and
dot-matrix printer. School use, cash
available. Tel: (0932) 564094.
FREE PERSONAL AD SERVICE
Fill in the form below to a maximum of 20 words (one in each box) and send it to Acorn UserVrcc Ads, 20-26
Brunswick Place, London Nl 6DJ. Please use capital letters, write clearly, and remember your name,
address and telephone number. Without this full information, supplied on a separate sheet of paper, we
I regret we cannot carry your Free Ad. We cannot accept entries selling or swapping software. This is a
service to readers - no companies please. One entry per form only. Free Ads are carried in the magazine as
space permits, and any Free Ads not used within a month of receipt will be disposed of.
135
This month’s Abuser competi-
tion centres around the Acorn
User sixth birthday party, held
at enormous expense on the
office roof. Faces current and
past (as in the pic on the left)
drank freely and reminisced
(alas Orson has been made
promise not to tell).
So, to win the collected liter-
ary works of Alex van Someren
(actually, a useful piece of
Acorn User software) entrants
must offer suggestions as to
just what Mad Alex (left with
ponytail) could have been
saying to quizmaster emeritus
Simon Dally and former in-
habitant of the Redwood
dungeon Kitty Milne.
Tony Quinn and Graham Bell
apply all their technical skill to
finding the Econet jack on a
long and unruly piece of cabl-
ing. No-one dared tell them it
was silly string.
What do AU contributors do
their spare time? Progi
;rammer
Dave Lawrence (in the middle)
apparently writes sex education
manuals reviewed in the Au-
gust Times Ed. Fellow David
Dave Acton (left) and technical
Ed Rob Miller drank to his
and their excess, g 1
success
Real Love. By I) Lawrence.
D Lawrence Publications £1.99. 0
9512585 0 8.
Healthy Living, Healthy Loving. By
Janie Hampton.
Now we’ll never believe pro-
duction assistant Colette Cur-
ley, however much she swear:
that she isn’t a wirehead.
Macmillan with' TALC £1.95. 0 333
43975 9.
THE TIMES
tonal Supplement
Books on sex education and perso
relationships for young people
many different forms. Some. ’’
recent Diary of
Freak , attempt
lingo, while^^fl
sober appro.;-
cute eoj^/.V
Sadly several guests wandered
off never to be seen again.
Among them were ad produc-
tion person Jonathan Marsh
(right), kidnapped by Design
Week , and news editor Carol
Atack (left) lured to Hi-Fi
News with the promise of all
the CDs she could eat.
136
ACORN USER AUGUST 1988
‘Stop Press’ puts you right at the heart of the Desktop Publishing
Revolution. Utilising dynamic WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You
Get) facilities, ‘Stop Press’ makes it simple to create professional
newsletters, leaflets, flyers, forms or in fact anything where text and
graphics are required.
‘Stop Press’ is the ideal publishing software solution for home
enthusiasts, schools, societies and small businesses.
== READ ALL ABOUT IT
Documents may be prepared using any of the superb selection of type-
faces (12 or more) supplied or alternatively a typeface of your own
design.
Text can be entered from within ‘Stop Press' or imported from your
preferred word processor with fully automatic on-screen text formatting
as the file loads.
Centering, ragged right, and literal justification are all available. There
also is full pixel resolution control over character size and spacing.
-- - D8 # pmc DEsrmm
As well as the ability to import digitised images there are outstanding
facilities for drawing, spraying and painting using either the patterns
supplied or your own pattern designs, enabling you to produce graphs,
charts, diagrams and pictures.
These can then be pasted, cropped or re-sized to fit any layout, and for
those finishing touches a fantastic zoom is available.
At anytime your pages can be previewed before being output to a wide
range of Epson or compatible dot matrix printers.
AMX MOUSE
'Stop Press’ can be used with a joystick or keyboard but the AMX MK III
Mouse gives you the control and flexibility which you would expect from
the most accurate pointing device available. Produced in Switzerland
the AMX Mouse has a unique patented design which includes high
resolution movement (D.P.I.) and superior ball technology to ensure
that contact between the
Mouse and surface is
constant at all times.
EXTRA! EXTRA!
Complimenting ‘Stop Press’, Extra! Extra! is a superb collection of
ready made clip art and new typefaces covering a wide variety of
subjects and styles.
•STOP PRESS’ IS AVAILABLE FOR
SOFTWARE
ONLY
WITH AMX
MK. Ill MOUSE
EXTRA!
EXTRA!
ACORN BBC/B + /MASTER
£49.99
£79.99
£24.99
AMSTRAD PCW 8256/8512
£49.99
£89.99
—
AMSTRAD CPC 6128
£49.99
£79.99
£24.99
COMMODORE 64/128
£39.99
£69.99
-
These superb products are available from all good computer dealers or
direct by cheque, Access or Visa. All prices include VAT, postage and
packing. Becomeyourown publishing baron with ‘Stop Press’ and start
the presses rolling.
ADVANCED
ADVANCED MEMORY SYSTEMS LIMITED
Imagination at your fingertips
FOR INSTANT ACCESS OR VISA ORDERS TELEPHONE: (0925) 4 1 3501 1
EMORY SYSTEMS LIMITED 166-170 WILDERSPOOL CAUSEWAY. WARRINGTON W A 4 6 Q A .
TELEPHONE: (0925) 413501 TELEX: 628672 AMS G FAX: 0925 58039
TUBEUNK ON MICRONET 800 •TUBELINK § SUPPORTS THE AMX MOUSE AND ALL AMS SOFTWARE
The Ultimate Warrior
NOW AVAILABLE FOR:
BBC MICRO
ELECTRON
BARBARIAN
The Ultimate Warrior
©Palace Software, 1987
MADE UNDER LICENCE
A bout of
Mortal Combat
The Victorious
Gladiator
Nearing the End of
a Ferocious Battle
Under the Gaze of
Drax and Mariana
THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR • THE ULTIMATE GAME
At last, BARBARIAN, the most realistic and exciting of
sword-fighting games reaches the BBC Micro and
Electron.
One or two players-fight against the computer or a
friend.
BBC Micro Cassette £9.95 Acorn Electron Cassette £9.95
BBC Micro 5Vi" Disc £11.95 BBC Master Compact 3V2" Disc £14.95
(Compatible with the BBC B, B+ and Master Series computers)
Please make cheques payable to “Superior Software Ltd”.
The evil sorcerer Drax has abducted the beautiful
Princess Mariana to satiate his nefarious desires.
A powerful warrior is sought to vanquish against
Drax’s demonic guardians and free the princess?
You are that warrior: a mighty barbarian wielding
your broadsword with deadly skill.
PRIZE COMPETITION
£100 is the first prize in our competition, with 20 congratulatory
certificates for runners-up.
To enter the competition, you must complete the game and write
to us describing the final messages that you receive.
Closing Date: 30th September, 1988.
/ summon
sonujnnc
ACORNS® FT
Depf. B7, Regent House, Skinner Lane, Leeds LS7 1 AX. Telephone: 0532 459453
(»At.AC£ ttorY&nna
24 HOUR TELEPHONE
ANSWERING SERVICE FOR ORDERS